Hernia in children is a serious condition that requires careful monitoring and timely treatment. What is she like? A hernia is a kind of bag that comes out from the abdominal cavity during physical exertion. This bag may include the omentum, intestines, or any other organs. If a hernia is found in children, this is not a reason for surgery. Initially, only the supervision of a surgeon will be required.
Most often, a hernia is congenital and manifests itself immediately after birth. The cause of this condition is the weakness of the anterior abdominal muscles. If the baby is born prematurely or physically immature, the organs do not have time to finally form. This is a prerequisite for the development of inguinal or umbilical hernia.
What is dangerous inguinal hernia in girls?
Inguinal hernia in girls is much less common than in boys, but its manifestations are much more dangerous. The hernial sac presses on the delicate tissue of the undeveloped ovaries, and under such an onslaught it can die. That is why, if a child suspects a hernia, the parents should immediately consult a doctor for an examination.
Sometimes in children there is such a serious complication as crushing of an inguinal hernia. In this condition, the child may complain of a feeling of tension and pain in the inguinal region. The hernial sac becomes painful and does not fit into the abdominal cavity. After the correct operation, the inguinal hernia no longer manifests itself, and after a while the child will feel as if nothing had happened.
What is the danger of an “invisible hernia”?
Of particular danger are invisible hernias. Such a hernia may not manifest itself in a normal state, however, with physical exertion, a characteristic protrusion in the inguinal region may appear. Inguinal hernia in girls can move to the labia, and in a boy, it can descend into the scrotum. Over time, it can only increase. An inguinal hernia cannot resolve itself, since the membrane that lays the abdominal cavity in premature infants does not develop as it should. If at the time of birth the process of the peritoneum does not close, there is a protrusion of the internal organs through an opening in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernia in children is subject to surgical treatment after a year. At an earlier age this cannot be done, with the exception of emergency indications.
What to do if you suspect an inguinal hernia?
A hernia can become a trap if an intestine or omentum enters it. Inguinal hernia in girls can be complicated by pinching the ovary with the fallopian tube. Blood circulation in the restrained organ is disturbed, tissue death begins. In this case, necrosis may even develop. The main signs of infringement are anxiety, groin pain, redness and swelling at the site of the hernia. The baby at this moment may have vomiting, delayed stools, swelling in the groin, cramping.
If you suspect infringement of a hernia in your baby, you need to immediately call a doctor and not take any measures. Warmers and medications can only aggravate the situation. Treatment of strangulated hernia is only surgical. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. As a rule, children tolerate surgery well. The very next day they are allowed to get out of bed. Seven days later, the baby will be removed the seams, and after a month he will be able to play outdoor games, visit the gym, engage in physical education and sports.
Inguinal hernia is a serious disease, so you need to treat it very carefully and seriously. As soon as the baby is diagnosed, he will be registered with a surgeon. Only the sincere care of parents and the professionalism of specialists will do everything possible so that the usual inguinal hernia does not turn into something more serious.