An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines slips into the groin (where the belly meets the upper leg) instead of staying in the belly as it should.
Doctors fix inguinal (IN-gwuh-nul) hernias with surgery. This prevents the intestines from getting stuck (“incarcerated”) in the groin. Blood flow can get blocked to an incarcerated intestine, which can lead to damage. This is a medical emergency. It is best if doctors can fix hernias before they become emergencies.
People of all ages can get an inguinal hernia. In kids, they're much more common in boys, but girls can get them too.
Children who are born early (preemies) are more likely to have an inguinal hernia.
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The main sign of an inguinal hernia is a visible bulge under the skin in the groin or scrotum. A child can have a bulge in one or both sides of the groin.
Other signs can include:
The hernia can get bigger and smaller:
In babies, the hernia might be visible only when the infant cries, coughs, or strains to poop. Parents also might notice that the baby is cranky and eating less than usual.
There are different types of inguinal hernias. A common type in babies and young kids happens when the intestines slide into a pathway called the inguinal canal in the groin area, rather than staying in the belly.
When a baby boy develops in the womb, the testicles travel from the belly to the scrotum through the inguinal canals. These pathways should close up before birth. If one stays open, a boy’s intestines can slip into the inguinal canal and into the scrotum, forming a hernia. Girls don’t have testicles, but they do have inguinal canals, and can have inguinal hernias.
If your child has any pain or swelling in the groin or scrotum, call your doctor. The doctor will do an exam and ask about your child's medical history.
To feel the hernia as it moves into the groin or scrotum, the doctor might have your child stand and cough. The doctor will gently try to massage the hernia back into its proper place in the belly. A hernia that can be massaged back into place is called a "reducible" hernia. But these also need surgery because they won't stay in place.
Inguinal hernia repair surgery is one of the most common types of surgery done on kids. Surgery is needed so that an inguinal hernia doesn’t get stuck and cause damage to the intestines.
During surgery:
Small tape strips will cover and close the incision site. These will fall off on their own in 1–2 weeks.
Most children can go home a few hours after the surgery. Babies born early may be watched overnight after having anesthesia.
Things to know:
Call the surgeon if your child had surgery and:
Reviewed by: T. Ernesto Figueroa, MD, Loren Berman, MD
Date Reviewed: Mar 11, 2020