What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is an abnormal bulge, or protrusion, that can be seen and
felt in the groin area (the area between the abdomen and the thigh). An inguinal
hernia develops when a portion of the intestine, along with fluid, bulges
through the muscle of the abdominal wall.
Inguinal hernias in children result from a weakness in the abdominal wall
that is present at birth. The bulge in the groin might only be noticed when the
child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement, or it might appear
to be larger during these times. Of the newborns who have inguinal hernias, 90
percent are boys.
What is an incarcerated hernia?
If the weakness or defect in the abdominal wall is small to moderate in
size, a portion of intestine might get trapped, or incarcerated. This is called an
incarcerated hernia and can cause problems such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting,
or absence of bowel movements. Larger abdominal wall defects allow the intestine
to move freely in and out of the weakened abdominal wall and do not tend to be
as painful.
What is a strangulated hernia?
If the intestine becomes incarcerated or trapped in the abdominal wall
defect, blood flow to the intestines might become blocked. This is called a
strangulated hernia. This type of hernia is often painful and requires prompt
surgery.
How can a hernia be repaired?
Hernias usually need to be surgically repaired to prevent intestinal damage
and further complications. The surgery takes about an hour and is usually an
outpatient procedure (which means the patient can go home the same day of the
procedure).
Before the surgery
Your child should not eat for six hours before the surgery to reduce the risk
of
vomiting and aspiration (inhaling fluids) while under anesthesia.
During the surgery
- An anesthesiologist (a doctor who specializes in pain relief) gives your
child general anesthesia, which relaxes your child's muscles and induces
sleep. Your child will not feel pain during the surgery.
- A small incision, or cut, (from 2 to 3 cm.) is made in the skin fold of
the groin.
- The hernia "sac" containing the bulging small intestine is
identified.
- The surgeon pushes the intestine inside the hernia sac back into its
proper position behind the muscle wall.
- The hernia sac is removed.
- The muscle wall is reinforced with stitches to prevent another hernia.
- If your child is younger than 1 year old, the chance that a hernia will
develop on the other side of the groin is very high. Repair of both inguinal
areas is, therefore, recommended. If there is not presently a hernia on the
other side of the groin area, the muscle wall is reinforced with stitches.