Hernias

What is a hernia?

A hernia is when an organ comes through a weak area in the muscles that are around it. Most common hernias are of the abdomen. They are common in children.

How does it occur?

Most hernias in children occur before birth. In some babies, some of the muscles in the abdomen do not completely come together before birth, leaving a small opening below the skin.

A common area for hernias to develop is the belly button (an umbilical hernia). In boys, hernias can also happen in the genital area (an inguinal hernia). The abdominal wall becomes weak in this area when the testicles drop from the abdomen into the scrotum. Girls can also have inguinal hernias, as this area of the abdominal wall is naturally weaker. Premature babies are more likely to have an inguinal hernia than term babies. Other types of hernias happen much less often.

What are the symptoms?

A hernia is usually diagnosed by seeing or feeling an abnormal bulge through the abdominal wall. Less often, pain may lead to discovery of an inguinal hernia.

It is important for a hernia to eventually close because the intestines or other parts of the inner abdomen may push through the opening in the abdominal wall. This happens more often with an inguinal hernia. When this happens, the movement of digested food through the intestines may be blocked, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes vomiting. Part of the intestine can also stop getting a supply of blood. This is an emergency.

How is a hernia diagnosed?

Parents sometimes will notice the bulge or your health care provider may find it during an exam.

How is it treated?

Most umbilical hernias do not require any special care or treatment unless they do not go away on their own before a child is 4 to 6 years old. Large umbilical hernias or hernias where the bowel can't be pushed back into the abdomen may need surgery to be closed.

Inguinal hernias need to be fixed by surgery. For an inguinal hernia, you should discuss with your health care provider when it is best to fix the problem with surgery. If the intestines push through a hernia and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen, surgery is needed right away. Although the surgery to correct a hernia is relatively minor, there are some risks with using anesthesia on young babies.

How can I take care of my child?

Most umbilical hernias do not require any special care or treatment unless they do not go away on their own before a child is 4 to 6 years old. "Strapping" an umbilical hernia by covering it with tape or other material will not cause it to go away faster.

When should I call my child's health care provider?

Call immediately if your child has:

• pain, increased swelling, or redness at the location of a hernia
• a hernia that is getting larger, which you cannot push back into the abdomen