Introduction

An inguinal hernia is when part of the intestines bulges through a weakness or opening in your child’s abdomen, into the groin. 

• The intestines are a long, tube-shaped organ that helps break down and digest food
• the abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and the thigh, also called the belly
• the groin is where the top of the thighs meets the lower belly.

Inguinal hernias: 

• can happen at any age
• are more common in males
• are more common in babies born prematurely, before 37 weeks.

One in three inguinal hernias are found in the first 6 months.

Sometimes, a hernia can get stuck or can’t be pushed back in. This is called an irreducible hernia. If the blood supply is blocked, it becomes an emergency and needs surgery.

An inguinal hernia may look like a lump in your child’s groin. The lump may come and go, and can be easier to see when your child cries or strains. They are more likely to appear on the right side of the body.

The lump can also move down to:

• the scrotum – the pouch of skin behind the penis that holds the testicles
• the labia – the inner and outer folds around the opening of the vagina.

A doctor will examine your child’s groin and may order an ultrasound to see where the organs are sitting

Inguinal hernias usually do not go away on their own.

Surgery is needed to:

• stop the hernia from getting stuck
• protect the blood supply to organs
• prevent damage.

Inguinal hernia repair surgery

Your doctor will refer your child to a surgeon for the repair.

This procedure is done in the hospital with a general anaesthetic. This means your child will be asleep and will not feel any pain.

During surgery:

1. a small cut is made in the groin
2. the bulging tissue is pushed back into the abdomen
3. the weak muscle is closed with stitches that will dissolve over time.

Your child will have a small scar in the fold of their groin. It will fade over time but not disappear.

Most children go home the same day. Very young or premature babies may need to stay overnight in the hospital.

Your child will have a follow-up appointment about one week after surgery to check the repair.