Do you think or have you been told that your child may have a hernia? While the disease should be treated immediately, you can take comfort in knowing that it is not uncommon at all. In fact, hernia repair surgery is one of the most common types of surgery performed on children.
A hernia occurs when a tissue or organ in the body, such as B. the intestine, through a weak point in a muscle wall. From the outside it can look like a bulge or bulge.
Hernias in children
In children, the protruding organ or tissue is sometimes only visible when the area is stressed, e.g. B. when the child is tired, coughs, cries or exerts a lot of effort. If the hernia only occurs in these situations, it is said to be “reducible” and is usually not an immediate danger to the child (but ask your doctor to be sure).
In some cases, however, tissue or organ can be trapped in the opening in the muscle wall. This is known as an “imprisoned” hernia and requires immediate medical attention. A “strangled” hernia is more serious and occurs when the blood supply to the protruding tissue is interrupted.
Hernia surgery for children – 7 things you should know
If you think your child may need surgery to repair a hernia, consider the following:
- If a hernia is imprisoned, the doctor can gently push the tissue into the body cavity: if this type of hernia is discovered, the doctor can take a temporary measure – usually with pain relievers – to push the tissue back into the body.
- In the event of an incarcerated hernia, surgery is recommended within a few days: as soon as the doctor has made this temporary correction, surgery is required to permanently repair the stain.
- Surgery is recommended immediately if the hernia is strangled: if the hernia is strangled, immediate surgery is required to prevent the tissue from dying from lack of oxygen.
- During the operation, the tissue is pushed back into the body and the muscle wall is closed: during the hernia operation, the tissue is pushed back and the wall is reinforced with a mesh-like material.
- Children of all ages can undergo hernia surgery: hernia surgery is safe for a child of all ages, including infants.
- The operation is performed on an outpatient basis: in most cases, patients do not have to stay in the hospital overnight.
- Most children can resume normal activity within 7 days: the child can resume normal activity shortly after the operation.
Familiarize yourself with these 7 things you need to know about hernia surgery in children.