The best time to treat hernia in children

Children's hernia is one of the most common diseases in infancy. When a hernia occurs, the baby will feel uncomfortable, and if it is not treated, it is likely to affect the child's future growth and development. If you want to treat a hernia, it is best to perform the surgery at the best treatment time to minimize the impact. So, when is the best time to treat hernia in children?

The best time to perform hernia surgery in children is generally between 6 months and 6 years old. After the age of 6, children's activities increase, and they have to go to school, which brings many inconveniences to study and exercise, so it is advisable to have surgery before school entry; before 6 months, under normal circumstances, children with hernia will not feel any pain except for scrotal swelling, unless incarceration occurs, and it will not affect growth and development.

Hernias in infants and young children may heal on their own, but the chances of spontaneous healing decrease after 6 months.

Hernia will not be a problem for children under 1 year old, so there is no need for parents to request surgery immediately when they find that their child has a hernia.

Parents can use manipulation to help the child reposition the hernia and bandage it with a hernia belt. Generally, it can heal itself within 2 years old, and pediatric hernia requires general anesthesia, so try to perform surgery as late as when the child is 4 to 5 years old. Children over 4 years old and under 6 years old, that is, 5 years old should be the least worrying period for surgery.

1. Hernia in children is generally caused by forceful coughing, defecation, urination, crying, strenuous exercise, etc. There is a protruding mass in the child's groin. The mass will disappear or appear intermittently when pressed by hand, when the child is quiet or lying flat to sleep.

2. The child's lump feels very soft, and there is often a gurgling noise when pressing the lump. Some children may also experience constipation, loss of appetite, spitting up, etc., and some may become prone to crying, restlessness, etc.

3. If the tumor cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity, abdominal pain will worsen, the patient will cry continuously, and then symptoms of intestinal obstruction such as vomiting, abdominal distension, and difficulty in defecation will appear. An oval tumor can be seen in the groin or scrotum. It is hard in texture and painful to touch. If the tumor has been incarcerated for a long time, redness and swelling can be seen on the skin. If the intestine cannot be returned for a long time, serious complications such as intestinal ischemia and necrosis may occur.