Inguinal Hernia in Children
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when a small opening in the lower abdominal wall allows part of the intestine or fatty tissue to pass into the groin. In boys, the hernia may extend into the scrotum, while in girls it may appear as a swelling in the groin or labia.
Unlike an umbilical hernia, an inguinal hernia does not close on its own and almost always requires surgery to prevent complications. Inguinal hernias are common in babies and young children, particularly those born prematurely, and can occur on one or both sides.
Our experienced paediatric surgeons regularly diagnose and treat inguinal hernias using safe, effective surgical techniques, helping children return to their normal activities as quickly as possible.
What are the symptoms?
The most common sign of an inguinal hernia is a soft lump or swelling in the groin. The lump often becomes more noticeable when your child cries, coughs, strains or is physically active, and may disappear when they are relaxed or lying down.
Your child may also experience:
- A swelling in the groin or scrotum
- A lump that comes and goes
- Mild discomfort or tenderness in the groin
- Irritability in babies
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in older children
Many children remain otherwise well, particularly when the hernia can be gently pushed back into the abdomen.
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
Although many inguinal hernias are not immediately painful, they can occasionally become incarcerated (trapped), meaning the bowel becomes stuck within the hernia. This requires urgent medical assessment.
Seek immediate medical attention if your child develops:
- A lump that cannot be pushed back in
- A painful or tender swelling
- Redness or discolouration over the lump
- Persistent crying or significant pain
- Vomiting
- A swollen abdomen
- Your child becomes unusually sleepy or unwell
Prompt treatment is important to prevent damage to the trapped bowel.
How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
In most cases, an inguinal hernia can be diagnosed during a physical examination. Your consultant will examine your child's groin and may ask older children to stand or cough to make the hernia easier to detect.
Occasionally, if the swelling is not present during the appointment or the diagnosis is uncertain, an ultrasound scan may be arranged. However, most children do not require additional investigations before treatment.
What treatment is available?
Unlike some other childhood hernias, an inguinal hernia will not heal without surgery.
The recommended treatment is an operation called an inguinal hernia repair (herniotomy). During the procedure, the surgeon closes the opening in the abdominal wall to prevent the hernia from returning. The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes less than an hour.
Most children are able to go home on the same day, and the procedure has an excellent success rate with a very low risk of recurrence.
Recovery after surgery
Children usually recover very quickly after inguinal hernia repair. Mild soreness around the incision is common for a few days and is normally well controlled with simple pain relief.
Most children can return to nursery or school within a few days, although strenuous activities, contact sports and rough play should be avoided for around two to three weeks to allow healing.
Your consultant will provide detailed aftercare advice and arrange follow-up if required.