Definition
A groin hernia happens when soft tissue pushes through a weak spot in the wall of the belly. Sometimes the tissue also passes down a canal that links the scrotum to the abdominal area. It is called the inguinal canal.
Inguinal Hernias |
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors
Groin hernias are more common in boys. They are also more common in babies that are born very early.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a bulge in the groin. It may be easier to see this bulge when a child is crying. The child may also show signs of pain.
Hernias can sometimes get caught in the abdominal wall. This is called a strangulated hernia. Symptoms may be:
- Vomiting
- Swollen belly
A strangulated hernia needs emergency care.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be taken if the diagnosis is not certain. This can be done with an ultrasound.
Treatment
Groin hernias are repaired with surgery. Babies born very early may not have surgery until later.
RESOURCES
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics https://healthychildren.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Groin hernia in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/groin-hernia-in-children. Accessed December 16, 2020.
Inguinal hernia. Cincinnati Children’s website. Available at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/i/inguinal-hernia. Accessed December 16, 2020.
Wang K. Assessment and Management of Inguinal Hernia in Infants. Pediatrics. 2012 Oct;130(4):768-773.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 05/28/2021