A hernia exists where part of the abdominal wall is weakened, and the contents of the abdomen push through to the outside. This is most commonly seen in the groin area but can occur in other places. Surgical treatment is usually quite straightforward and involves returning the abdominal contents to the inside and then reinforcing the abdominal wall in some way.

An inguinal hernia is caused by a connection between the scrotum and the abdomen (uncommonly a similar connection occurs in girls causing an inguinal hernia). The connection is present in all babies in the womb during development, but in most babies has closed over before birth. The connection allows some contents of the abdomen to pass down towards the scrotum causing a bulge in the groin. The bulge is often more noticeable when the baby cries.

 

The bulge (or hernia) can usually be pushed back into the abdomen by gentle pressure when the baby is settled.

 

Uncommonly the hernia cannot be pushed back (“reduced”), which can be a serious complication because the tissue trapped in the connection can become swollen and damaged.

 

An inguinal hernia can be repaired with a simple operation. Your family doctor will have referred you to a children’s surgeon who is experienced in repairing inguinal hernias.

 

An umbilical hernia is caused by a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall near the belly button or navel, which allows the contents of the abdomen to push through and form a bulge around the belly button.

 

In most cases these hernias close by themselves before the age of 5 years, but if they are large or are causing problems, they may require surgery.