Inguinal (Groin) Hernia

Before birth, a small passage runs from the abdomen down into the groin. In most children this passage closes before or soon after birth. When it stays open, a loop of bowel or other tissue can slip through and appear as a soft bulge in the groin, sometimes extending into the scrotum in boys or the labia in girls.

The lump is often more obvious when your child cries, coughs or strains and may disappear when they are relaxed or asleep. Inguinal hernias are common in children, particularly in babies who were born early, and are nothing a parent has done or could have prevented.

Unlike an umbilical hernia, an inguinal hernia in a child will not close by itself. There is also a small risk that bowel becomes trapped in the opening (an incarcerated hernia), which is painful and can affect the blood supply to the bowel or testis. For this reason, repair is usually recommended soon after the hernia is found, and earlier in young babies.

Seek urgent medical attention if the lump becomes hard, tender, red or cannot be pushed back in, or if your child is vomiting, unusually irritable or unwell. Your child's surgeon will explain how promptly repair should be arranged in your child's case.

Inguinal hernia repair (herniotomy) is performed under a general anaesthetic, usually as day surgery. Very young babies or those with other medical conditions may stay overnight for monitoring.

The surgeon makes a small incision in the natural crease of the groin, gently returns the contents of the hernia to the abdomen and closes the open passage with stitches. In children, mesh is not needed. A keyhole (laparoscopic) approach may be used in some cases, which also allows the other side to be checked. The skin is closed with dissolving stitches and a small dressing or skin glue.

Most children are comfortable with simple pain relief and are back to their usual selves within a day or two. Some bruising and swelling in the groin or scrotum is common and settles over a couple of weeks.

Your child may bathe after a day or two, depending on the dressing used. Toddlers and older children should avoid straddle toys, bikes, climbing and contact sport for around two weeks. Babies need no special restrictions.

Contact the team if there is fever, spreading redness, discharge from the wound, or a new lump appears. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to check the wound and healing.