Groin hernias (Inguinal hernias)
... a very common surgical condition in infancy and childhood!
Clinical features:
There is a swelling in the groin that may extend to the scrotum.
Causes:
Bowel descends through an abnormally wide or open inguinal canal.
Treatment:
Bowel needs to be manually reduced back into the abdominal cavity and the hernia should be surgically repaired without undue delay.
There is a special surgical technique for children. This operation should only be performed by a specialist trained in paediatric surgery.
Complications before surgical repair:
- Strangulation / incarceration, a bowel loop becomes trapped in the hernial sac and can no longer be reduced manually.
- The blood supply to the testicle is at risk and may become compromised.
A hard and painful swelling in the groin, rejection of feeds and vomiting are red flag symptoms. This is an emergency!
Our advice: Please see a paediatric surgeon immediately!
Further reading:
Groin hernias (Inguinal hernias) and hydrocele in infancy and childhood
