Does a child's hernia require surgery?

There are many opinions on the treatment of hernia in children. We know that one of the main causes of hernia in children is increased intra-abdominal pressure. For example, when a child coughs violently, cries constantly, or holds his breath, there are often no obvious symptoms of pain. Generally speaking, a reducible mass in the umbilicus is a typical manifestation. In response to this situation, some parents will ask whether surgery is necessary?

The main symptom of hernia in children is the protrusion of a hemispherical swelling in the umbilicus. It expands when the child cries, and the skin and scar of the umbilicus are tense and slightly bluish. The swelling shrinks or disappears when the child is quiet or sleeping supinely, and loose wrinkles are left in the umbilicus. The enlarged and hard umbilical ring can be touched by probing with fingers, and the sound of air passing through water can be heard when the hernial contents are returned.

Except for the above-mentioned umbilical swelling, there is generally no discomfort. When the hernia contents adhere to the hernia sac, it may cause local pain, and sometimes abdominal distension and vomiting may occur, but incarceration is less common. Its main treatments are:

1. Non-surgical treatment

The severity of hernia decreases with age, and most hernias can heal on their own within 2 years of age. Some people use wide adhesive tape to compress the umbilicus, return the hernia contents before sticking the tape, and pad it with gauze to prevent the hernia contents from falling out. Most people suggest that no treatment is needed and just wait for the wound to heal on its own. They also advise against applying pressure with hard objects such as coins, buttons or wood chips to prevent local ulceration and infection.

2. Surgery

Only a few cases require surgical treatment. Generally, after the age of 2, if there is adhesion of hernial contents to the hernial sac or a history of incarceration, surgery should be performed promptly.

Surgical treatment is more effective and recurrence is rare. During non-surgical treatment, the umbilical cord should be carefully cared for to prevent compression and damage to the thin umbilical cord tissue, which could lead to serious consequences.

In fact, the symptoms of hernia in children can also vary. For the treatment of hernia in children, younger ones can choose non-surgical treatment, and it may heal on its own. Children who have not had their hernias reduced after the age of 2 or who have serious conditions such as incarceration will require surgical treatment, so children do not necessarily require surgery for their hernias.