Inguinal Hernia in Babies Why It Happens, How Does It Go

Inguinal hernia in babies, which is a common condition, is a problem that can be easily diagnosed but can be dangerous if it is delayed.

Everything you need to know about inguinal hernia in babies is in this article!

What causes inguinal hernias in babies?

Inguinal hernia in infants occurs when a part of the intestine protrudes due to a weakness in the lower abdominal wall and creates a swelling in the inguinal region. It is more common in boys than girls. It is also common in premature babies .

One of the reasons for the formation of inguinal hernia in male babies is the failure of the ducts where the testicles descend into the bags. In this case, a piece of intestine enters this canal and may herniate.

How to detect inguinal hernia in babies?

The most obvious of the symptoms of inguinal hernia in babies is the swelling that protrudes in the form of a ping pong ball. This swelling is usually not painful, it can go in when pushed by hand. But the swelling is not always visible. It usually occurs when the baby strains, coughs or cries.

However;

• If the baby’s swelling does not go away,
• If she has crying fits,
• If she cries when the groin area is touched,
• If this situation is accompanied by vomiting, hernia strangulation may occur. In other words, “Does inguinal hernia cause pain in babies?” We can answer yes to the question if it is drowning.

How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed in babies?

When you show your baby to a specialist, a physical examination is done first. The swelling and its location are determined. An ultrasound examination may also be done afterwards. As a result of these examinations, the presence of hernia is diagnosed.

How is the treatment of inguinal hernia in babies?

When her baby is diagnosed with inguinal hernia, “Does inguinal hernia go away on its own in babies?” You might wonder. But unfortunately such is not the case. The only way to treat inguinal hernia is surgery. Although surgical intervention may sound scary, inguinal hernia surgery in babies is a very easy and risk-free procedure.

Inguinal hernia surgery in infants is performed by closing the abdominal wall or testicular canal, which causes the bowel to protrude. “How long does inguinal hernia surgery take in babies?” Let’s answer the question. This surgery is completed in 1-2 hours at most.

At what age is inguinal hernia surgery performed in babies?

When the doctor diagnoses her baby with an inguinal hernia, surgery should be performed immediately. Although it does not cause serious pain or make life difficult, surgical intervention should be applied against the risk of suffocation.

However, if there are special conditions that prevent inguinal hernia surgery in newborn babies, it can be waited until the age of 1, 1-5 years if the baby should not receive anesthesia for a while.

What should be considered after inguinal hernia surgery in babies?

Babies with inguinal hernia surgery are usually discharged from the hospital on the same day. Appropriate painkillers are given for very little pain to be experienced and the process is aimed to end smoothly. In the first 1-2 days, the baby should not be forced. In 2-3 days, the baby will return to his own pace. In other words, the recovery period after inguinal hernia surgery in babies is very short and uneventful.

The doctor will give information about bathing after inguinal hernia surgery in babies. However, the accepted view is that the baby should be washed 48 hours after the operation.

Does inguinal hernia recur in babies?

Inguinal hernia surgery in babies usually provides a definitive solution. The recurrence rate of the disease after surgery is very low. It can happen again only because the baby is struggling too much or because the doctor performing the surgery uses the wrong methods.