Hernias in Children Should Be Intervented Without Wasting Time

Stating that hernias can occur at every stage of childhood, from the newborn period to adolescence, Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay said, “The hernia can appear on the first day after birth, as well as at the age of 16. The point to be noted here is that the hernia should be intervened as soon as it is seen.

“Hernia can be seen in families with a defined family history”

Saying that inguinal hernia is one of the common conditions in childhood, Yeditepe University Hospitals Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay gave important information for parents on the subject. Explaining that this problem is more common in boys, Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay gave the following information about the causes and symptoms: “Hernia is one of the pathologies seen in childhood, especially among glandular diseases. Although it is a congenital condition, it does not give any symptoms such as crying or restlessness. It can usually be detected by swellings in the inguinal canal. These swellings, which are the size of a walnut, go down on their own when the baby sleeps. Although hernia is more common in boys, some diseases are known to cause hernia. In addition, hernia can be seen in children of families with a defined family history.

“It is necessary to act quickly in hernia surgeries”

Stating that in inguinal hernia, a lump-like swelling can be seen in the lower abdomen in babies, Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay continued her words as follows: “Hernia is considered as an emergency. However, hernia surgeries are surgeries that need to be acted quickly before an emergency. The surgery does not have to be done at the same time, on the same day. However, surgery should be planned as soon as possible. Especially in babies born prematurely and in infancy, the risk of strangulation is higher for hernias. Due to the risk of deterioration of the circulation of the abdominal organs passing through the opening, it is necessary to perform the surgery in a short time and correctly.

“Reproductive problems may occur in adulthood”

Yeditepe University Hospitals Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay, “In boys, the channels through which the sperm pass are located next to the hernia sac. With the effect of heat and pressure, it can damage the testicles and veins after a while. Therefore, hernia can pose a risk for infertility. In undetected and delayed cases in girls, egg loss may occur due to impaired circulation.

“It is not clear when the hernia will appear”

Underlining that there is no definite information about when the hernia occurs, Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay concluded her words as follows: “Hernias in children can appear at birth as well as at the age of 16. The hernia may not be noticed. What we need to pay attention to here is that the hernia should be intervened as soon as it is seen. Today, surgical procedures can be performed easily. The baby or child can usually be discharged on the same day as the surgery, without the need for hospitalization. Therefore, parents do not need to be afraid or worried about surgery.”