A hernia is a health condition that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue inside the body pushes or protrudes out through a weak area in the muscle or connective tissue. Inguinal hernias, which develop in the groin region, are the most commonly observed in children. Compared to girls, boys are at greater risk of developing inguinal hernias.
Usually, a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall is said to be the major cause of an inguinal hernia in children. In boys, the inguinal canal, which connects the abdominal cavity to the scrotum (in girls, it is the labia), is open during fetal development.
This opening is closed before birth for most children. However, in some children, the opening might not close completely, making it a weak place through which the parts of the intestine or other surrounding tissues can protrude, resulting in a hernia.
A bulge that is apparent in the groin or genital region is the main sign of a childhood hernia. When your child cries, coughs, or stretches, the bulge might become more noticeable. It might go away if the child relaxes or lies down. Hernias don’t cause any trouble in many cases, except in some children, where they may cause discomfort or pain.
Childhood hernias should never be ignored because doing so might result in numerous problems and other health complications.
The following are some possible complications of untreated childhood hernias:
Incarceration: Hernias can become “incarcerated”. When this happens, the tissue that is protruding becomes trapped and is unable to return to its original position. This may result in excruciating pain, swelling, and discomfort. If an incarcerated hernia is not promptly treated, it can lead to tissue damage and even gangrene. Untreated incarcerated hernias can cause tissue damage and even gangrene. So they need to be treated right away.
Strangulation: The incarcerated hernia might lead to strangulation in some cases. Strangulation develops when the trapped tissue loses its blood supply. This often leads to the death of that tissue, called necrosis. Hernias that have been strangulated are classified as medical emergencies that need to be treated right away with surgery in order to avoid severe consequences and sometimes life-threatening situations.
Intestinal obstruction: An intestinal obstruction may occur if a portion of the intestine gets stuck in the hernia and cannot pass through the digestive tract. This may result in symptoms like severe pain in the abdominal area, vomiting, and constipation. In some severe cases, it may even block bowel movements, which need prompt medical treatment.
Developmental problems: Children with untreated hernias may experience persistent discomfort and pain, which may interfere with their growth and development. Persistent pain and discomfort can reduce children’s quality of life because they might result in reduced appetite, sleeping problems, and impaired physical activities.
Peritonitis: It is an inflammation and infection that develops on the lining of the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis may result from a hernia that tears or punctures the intestines or other internal organs. Peritonitis requires prompt treatment because it is a serious medical complication.
Dr. Venu Gopal Pareek, a hernia specialist in Hyderabad, says that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these complications. So, if your child has a hernia, consult an expert and get them checked. Inguinal hernias in children can be treated surgically at a certain age. Generally, hernia repair surgery is considered a safe and effective procedure because most children who undergo it recover successfully following the procedure.
In case, if you observe any hernia signs in your children, like a bulge in the groin area or complaints of pain, don’t hesitate to consult a hernia specialist. Dr. V Pareek, one of the best hernia surgeons in Hyderabad, performs a complete evaluation of your child and suggests proper treatment to fix the problem. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the well-being of your child.
Call +91 91-777-77715 to book an appointment with the doctor.
