Different Types of Hernias in Children: Inguinal, Umbilical, Epigastric & More
Childhood hernias are common congenital or developmental conditions that often require specialist assessment and treatment by a Neonatal Surgeon, Best Pediatric Surgeon, Pediatric Surgery teams, Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgeon, Pediatric Robotic Surgeon, or Child Specialist Surgeon. Hernias occur when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding wall. While many hernias are harmless, some can become dangerous if they get trapped or strangulated, making timely evaluation and treatment essential.
1. Inguinal Hernia in Children
Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia in newborns and children. It occurs when a part of the intestine slips into the groin canal.
Symptoms
- Groin swelling
- Bulge that increases with crying or coughing
- Irritability
- Pain if the hernia gets trapped
Causes
- Incomplete closure of the inguinal canal
- Prematurity
- Family history of hernias
- Treatment often requires surgery by experts experienced in Pediatric Hernias Treatment.
2. Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias occur when a portion of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Symptoms
- Soft bulge at the navel
- Visible during crying or straining
- Usually painless
Causes
- Delay in closure of the abdominal muscles
- Low birth weight
- Genetic factors
Most close naturally, but persistent cases may require surgical correction by a Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgeon or Neonatal Laparoscopic Surgeon.
3. Epigastric Hernia
An epigastric hernia appears in the upper abdomen between the ribcage and the belly button.
Symptoms
- Small, firm lump in the upper abdomen
- Pain during physical activity
- Intermittent swelling
Causes
- Weakness in abdominal wall connective tissues
- Surgery is recommended to prevent pain or complications.
4. Incisional Hernia
This hernia occurs after abdominal surgery when the incision fails to heal properly.
Symptoms
- Swelling at the scar site
- Pain on coughing or lifting
- Bulge visible in sitting or standing positions
Causes
- Poor wound healing
- Infection
- Prematurity or malnutrition
Children who previously underwent major surgeries such as Gastroschisis surgery, Neonatal Omphalocele repair, Hirschsprung’s disease surgery, Pyloric stenosis surgery, or Teratoma removal in children may be at higher risk.
5. Femoral Hernia
Though rare in children, femoral hernia occurs along the upper thigh.
Symptoms
- Lump near the groin crease
- Pain while walking
- Risk of obstruction
Surgical correction is essential due to high risk of complications.
Causes of Hernias in Children
Childhood hernias can arise from:
- Congenital muscle weakness
- Prematurity
- Family history
Previous abdominal surgeries such as Pediatric Liver surgeries or Pediatric appendix Treatment
Increased abdominal pressure due to chronic coughing or constipation
Symptoms to Watch For
- Visible bulge in abdomen or groin
- Pain or discomfort
- Bulge enlarging during crying, coughing, or physical activity
- Vomiting or excessive crying (sign of strangulated hernia)
- Redness or firmness over the hernia
Immediate medical attention is needed if the child shows any signs of obstruction or strangulation.
Treatment Options for Hernias in Children
Hernias do not resolve on their own except for some umbilical hernias. Most require surgical repair.
1. Laparoscopic Repair
Performed by a Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgeon or Neonatal Laparoscopic Surgeon.
Benefits include:
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
2. Robotic Hernia Repair
Done by a Pediatric Robotic Surgeon with advanced precision.
Useful for complex cases like:
- Recurrent hernias
- Hernias with associated anomalies
- Combined urological procedures such as Robotic pyeloplasty in children
3. Open Surgical Repair
Preferred when:
- Hernia is large
- Minimally invasive access is not feasible
Associated surgeries like Hydrocele treatment in children, Undescended testes surgery, or Hypospadias surgery in children are planned
4. Hernia Repair During Other Pediatric Surgeries
Hernias are often repaired during surgeries like:
- Hirschsprung’s disease surgery
- Pediatric fundoplication for GERD
- Neuroblastoma surgery in children
- Wilms tumor surgery
FAQs
Q1. Do hernias in children require surgery?
Most hernias need surgical correction, except some umbilical hernias which may close naturally.
Q2. Are hernia surgeries safe for infants?
Yes. With advanced pediatric techniques, surgeries performed by a Neonatal Surgeon or Best Pediatric Surgeon are very safe.
Q3. Are minimally invasive techniques better?
Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries offer faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Q4. Can a hernia become dangerous?
Yes. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency.
Q5. Is hernia associated with other congenital anomalies?
Yes, especially in newborns with conditions requiring surgeries such as Gastroschisis surgery or Neonatal Hirschsprung’s disease surgery.
About Dr. Deepak Goel — Senior Consultant Pediatric Surgeon & Pediatric Urologist (Nagpur)
Dr. Deepak Goel, MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Pediatric Surgery), is a renowned Senior Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, Pediatric Urologist, and prominent Robotic Pediatric Surgeon in Nagpur. He specializes in advanced Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery, Neonatal Surgery, and complex thoracoscopic procedures. His expertise includes treating conditions such as Anorectal malformations surgery, Gastroschisis surgery, Pyloric stenosis surgery, Hydrocele treatment in children, Undescended testes surgery, Teratoma removal in children, Pediatric kidney stone removal, Pediatric Hernias Treatment, Robotic pyeloplasty in children, Wilms tumor surgery, and Neuroblastoma surgery in children. With excellence in minimally invasive neonatal and pediatric surgeries, Dr. Goel is widely trusted for safe, precise, and compassionate surgical care.
