What is an inguinal hernia?

Are there any alternatives?

The hernia will not get better without surgery.

What will happen if I decide that my child will not have the procedure or the procedure is delayed?

Occasionally, the hernia can get larger with time. It can also be dangerous because the intestines or other structures within the abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia) (risk: 3 in 10 for premature babies and children under 1 year, 1 in 10 for older children).

The symptoms that may suggest a strangulated hernia are:

• severe pain
• a hernia that will not disappear when your child lies down
• vomiting

If your child has any of these symptoms you must call the healthcare team immediately as your child may need an urgent procedure.

If left untreated, a strangulated hernia will cause damage to the testicle (in boys), or ovary (in girls), or bowel and may cause death. If you think your child has a strangulated hernia, take them to hospital straight away.

Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

What does the procedure involve?

Inguinal hernias can be repaired using keyhole surgery but most inguinal hernias in children are repaired through a cut on the groin.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic (where your child is sent to sleep). The procedure usually takes about an hour.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the groin and find the 'hernial sac'.

In boys, the sac is stuck on to the blood vessels that supply the testicle. It is also stuck on to the vas, the tube that will carry sperm away from the testicle. In girls, the hernia can contain an ovary or part of the fallopian tube.

Your surgeon will put back the contents of the sac into the abdominal cavity and peel the sac away before tying it off.

What complications can happen?

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some may be serious and can even be life threatening.

General complications of any procedure

• bleeding
• inflammation
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication

Specific complications of this procedure

• developing a collection of blood or fluid under the wound
• developing a hydrocele, which is a swelling around the testicle
• injury to structures within the hernia that come from the abdomen
• damage to nerves that supply the skin around the groin
• damage of the blood supply to the testicle
• the testicle may come to lie higher in the scrotum
• damage to the vas

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of the skin

What happens after the procedure?

They should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

Your doctor will tell you when your child can return to school. This is usually after 5 to 7 days.

Most children make a full recovery and can return to normal activities.

Summary

An inguinal hernia is a common condition. It is caused by the contents of the abdomen pushing down towards the scrotum or labia. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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