MYTH 1: Hernia is a problem of middle n old age
No, hernia is very common in children. Infact its very common in preterm babies.
MYTH 2: only male children have a hernia
No, even female babies too can have hernia .though incidence is more common in males ( 4: 1 = M: F)
MYTH 3: Hernia will resolve as the child grows.
No, in inguinal hernias,there is a sac in which the abdominal contents are pushed whenever the abdominal pressure rises,and they don’t close on their own, unlike umbilical hernias which can resolve.
MYTH 4: some oral medicines will cure hernia
No…. there is no oral medicine which will cure an inguinal hernia , as the pathology of an inguinal hernia is different.
MYTH 5. 1. What are the potential complications of an inguinal hernia in children?
2. How common are hernias in preterm babies?
3. What is the difference between a hernia and a hydrocele in children, and how are they treated differently?Hernia and hydrocele in kids have the same treatment.
No…in hydrocele diagnosed at birth, n confirmed by a Pediatric surgeon, we can wait till 1 to 1.5 years of age for resolution. But in inguinal hernias, early surgery is indicated to prevent life-threatening complications
MYTH 6: Baby is too small to get operated for hernia
No… since complications can happen in hernia ,we usually advice surgery once the baby is safe for anesthesia, i.e around 45 weeks age ( those born preterm we wait till 45 weeks corrected age ).
Those kids who present late at 2, 3 ,4 years etc , we advice surgery asap.
MYTH 7: child will need bedrest after hernia repair
No.. your baby can walk n do all routine activities immediately after surgery.
MYTH 8 : if hernia seen on opposite side after surgery on one side ,that means surgery failed.
No, there can be hernia of other side ,which may not be seen clinically or on USG before operation of the presenting side ,hence we operate only on that side thats showing hernia.if later ,the opposite side shows hernia,that doesn’t mean thats its failure ,its a new hernia which can be tackled with surgery.
MYTH 9. Hernia surgery in kids can be done by any surgeon.
No…like for medical conditions in kids you take them to child specialists (paediatricians), like wise for any surgical conditions in kids,u need to consult a PEDIATRIC SURGEON.
They are superspecialists (M.Ch – pediatric surgery ) which is a degree after completing M.S General surgery. They know how to deal with the delicate tissues of children.
Hope next time you see a bulge in the groin of a child, you will have some idea of what to do n what not to do for your child.
Because Good parents always choose the best for their kids.
DR.KSHAMA.KULKARNI
Consultant neonatal & Pediatric surgeon
Pune