What is an inguinal
hernia?
When
a baby boy is growing in the womb, the testicles first grow in his
abdomen. As the baby develops, the
testicles travel down a tunnel into the scrotum. (In little girls, this tunnel also exists). Occasionally, this opening (called a processus vaginalis) does not close,
leaving an opening from the abdomen into the inguinal canal where a piece of
bowel or an ovary can get trapped.
Causes Of Inguinal Hernia
- Some hernias have no apparent cause.
- But many occur as a result of:
-
increased pressure within the abdomen
- a pre-existing weak spot in the
abdominal wall
- combination of the two
Inguinal Hernia Symptoms
- Some inguinal hernias don’t cause any symptoms.
- If symptoms are present, they include feeling:
- a bulge created by the protruding
intestine
- pain in the groin especially when
coughing or lifting
- dragging sensation in the groin.
Who gets inguinal
hernias?
Inguinal
hernias are more common in boys and in premature infants.
Treatment
- Watch and wait approach is taken if it is small and not bothersome.
- Growing or more painful hernias require surgery.
- There are two types of hernia operations: herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty.
- Herniorraphy is when the surgeon makes an incision in the groin and pushes the protruding intestine back into the abdomen.
- Hernioplasty is when a synthetic mesh is used to patch the opening so that the intestine cannot push back through.
How is the decision
made that surgery is needed?
You
or your primary care provider may have noticed a bulge in the inguinal area
(just below the crease in the abdomen). This is bowel or an ovary in the
inguinal canal. Once a hernia is noticed, an operation is generally scheduled
as soon as possible. This is to prevent the bowel or ovary in the inguinal
canal from becoming trapped or incarcerated
(strangulated). An incarcerated hernia is an emergency.
What can I expect
from surgery?
An
incision will be made in the inguinal crease, the bowel or ovary will be
replaced in the abdomen and the opening from the abdomen will be closed. The surgeon may recommend checking the opposite
side for a hernia because it is common to have a hernia on both sides. Blood
work is not usually necessary and may be needed only if your child has other
medical problems.
Bring for your child the
day of surgery:
A
variety of favorite toys, music tapes, or books to encourage quiet time.
A
special toy or security blanket that may help to comfort your child.
Snacks
or money to buy yourself a meal. Please
do not eat in front of your child.
It
is best to make arrangements for siblings to stay at home on the day of surgery
in order for you to participate fully in your child’s care.
When will my child be
able to go home?
Your
child goes to the hospital on the day of surgery and then goes home a few hours
after s/he recovers. If your child has a medical condition or is a premature
infant an overnight stay may be required for your child’s safety.
How much time should
I plan off work?
Plan
on a total of 3-5 days off work including the surgical day. This will allow for 2 quiet days after the
operation.
Adapted from: http://hmshealth.weebly.com
http://www.apsna.org
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