What to do about infant syringomyelia

  Infantile syringomyelia, also known as traffic syringomyelia, occurs when the structure between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum does not close properly and completely, and fluid from the abdominal cavity enters the scrotum causing a lump in the pubic area.  When a child has a syringomyelia, there is usually no pain. Most parents unconsciously notice some swelling in the scrotum, which decreases when the child lies down or rests, and becomes obvious when the child is more active or cries. As mentioned earlier, children within one year of age may heal on their own, so in principle we do not need to do any treatment within one year of age. If the syringomyelia is still not completely absorbed after the child is over one year old, then surgery is required. Some infants with syringomyelia may have inguinal hernia at the same time. If both conditions occur at the same time, we must be highly alert because the hernia may become ingrown at any time, and early surgery is needed if necessary.  Infantile syringomyelia is very common. In principle, no special treatment is needed during infancy, that is, up to one year of age, unless the child has a combined inguinal hernia that has become ingrown and requires urgent surgical treatment.