Swelling in the Groin of Infants May Be a Sign of Hernia

Although the foundation of inguinal hernia is laid in the womb, certain triggering factors can facilitate its emergence after birth. The most obvious sign of an inguinal hernia is swelling in the groin area," says Pediatric Surgeon Op. Dr. Nadir Tosyalı from Anadolu Health Center. "Pressing on this swelling can make it disappear with a gassy sound. Persistent coughing, constipation, abdominal fluid accumulation, prematurity, low birth weight, connective tissue diseases, and metabolic disorders can trigger the formation of an inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia is a very typical condition, and parents often come to us with the diagnosis already made," says Dr. Tosyalı. "Parents recognize that swelling in the groin area is unusual and bring their children to us with this finding. This history provided by the family greatly helps in diagnosing the condition.

 

Swelling in the groin area is the most important sign of an inguinal hernia

Highlighting that the diagnosis is mostly made by detecting groin swelling during examinations, where infants are examined lying down and older children are asked to cough or strain while standing, Pediatric Surgery Specialist Dr. Nadir Tosyalı explained, “If these signs are not present, a slight mass indicated by the tissue shifting like a silk glove during a finger examination of the groin area gives us a significant clue. A swelling noticed by the parents, observed again during examination by making the child strain, and an ultrasound evaluation of both sides clearly establish the diagnosis.”

The only treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery

Stating that inguinal hernias do not heal on their own, Dr. Nadir Tosyalı emphasized, “Inguinal hernias must be treated. The treatment has always been and remains surgical. Non-surgical treatment is not an option. The surgery takes 15-20 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. When we operate on infants in the morning, they are discharged the same evening. Certain misconceptions exist, such as the ‘hernia belt.’ Methods applying pressure to the groin area not only lack benefits but also cause complications and make subsequent surgeries more difficult. These should definitely not be done.”

Excessive coughing and constipation issues should be resolved

Emphasizing that a successful surgery can result in a 99% success rate, Pediatric Surgery Specialist Dr. Nadir Tosyalı stated, "Inguinal hernias can recur at a rate of 1%. Even if the surgery is successful, connective tissue disease may still occur in the future. After the surgery, it's important to maintain hygiene in the area and resolve issues such as excessive coughing and constipation."

In addition to inguinal hernias, attention should also be paid to strangulated hernias.

Op. Dr. Nadir Tosyalı explained that inguinal hernias, especially during infancy, can frequently result in a condition called strangulated hernia. "This occurs when the organs within the hernia sac become trapped and cannot be pushed back. It's a very painful and distressing condition. In advanced stages, if left untreated for a long time, the organs in the sac can suffer from a lack of blood flow and gangrene, leading to the removal of part of the child's intestine, and sometimes the testicle or ovary. Delayed cases can even lead to life-threatening conditions like septic shock," he said.