Inguinal Hernia

Before a baby is born, the testicles start up by the kidneys during development and make their way down to the scrotum through an opening in the groin called the inguinal canal.  This opening should then close completely. If the opening does not close it is called a hernia.  A hernia allows abdominal fluid, and/or loops of intestine, to move down to the scrotum and back up when there is high pressure in the abdomen ( i.e. crying, bowel movements, or bearing down).  Hernias are rarely painful but can feel uncomfortable.  Parents will notice the patient's scrotum gets bigger and smaller throughout the day.

It is important to correct an inguinal hernia because there is a small risk that the bowel (part of the intestine) can get stuck and strangulated in the opening.  This can cut off blood supply and cause the bowel to die. In this case, the patient would need emergent surgery.  Signs of intestinal strangulation include: swelling of scrotum that is red or purple and hard, unable to reduce (push the swelling back up to the abdomen), vomiting, or inconsolable child. If any of these occur please call a physician who will most likely direct you to the emergency room.

Surgical correction of an inguinal hernia is done electively under general anesthesia and is a day surgery- meaning the patient will go home the same day.  Once the patient is put to sleep, a camera will be placed through the patient’s belly button to ensure this is an inguinal hernia and not any other abnormalities such as a hydrocele (see below).  Once it is confirmed it is an inguinal hernia (by noting there is still an opening in the inguinal canal) we will then make an incision in the groin to close the hernia.  We will then check the area again with the camera through the belly button to ensure it is closed.