During the embryonic period, there is a “peritoneal sphincter” in the groin that helps to fix the testis descending into the scrotum or the round ligament of the uterus. The incidence of hernia is generally 1-4%, 10 times higher in boys than in girls, and even higher in premature babies, and may occur on both sides. Symptoms of pediatric hernia 1. Usually, when a child cries, exercises vigorously, or has dry stools, there is a protruding mass in the groin, sometimes extending to the scrotum or labia; it disappears on its own when lying down or when pressed by hand. 2. Once the hernia mass becomes embedded (hernia mass cannot be retracted), abdominal pain and crying will occur, followed by vomiting, abdominal distension, fever, irritability, and then dehydration and shock. If the mass is embedded and cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity, an oval-shaped mass with a hard texture and obvious tenderness can be seen in the groin or scrotum; if the mass is embedded for a long time, the skin can be red and swollen, and if the intestine cannot be returned for a long time, serious complications such as ischemic necrosis of the intestine may occur. The dangers of pediatric hernia! Pediatric hernia first affects the digestive system of the patient, resulting in symptoms such as lower abdominal cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, poor absorption, easy fatigue and decreased physical fitness. As the inguinal region is adjacent to the genitourinary system, the normal development of the reproductive system can be affected by the extrusion of the hernia. The intestinal canal, ovary, fallopian tube and large omentum inside the hernia sac are easily squeezed or collided to cause inflammatory swelling, resulting in difficulty in hernia retraction and hernia impaction, causing severe abdominal pain and serious complications such as intestinal obstruction, intestinal necrosis, ovarian and fallopian tube necrosis, which may be life-threatening if not treated in time. Therefore, pediatric hernia should be treated early and thoroughly. If a child is found to be crying repeatedly for no reason, parents should check for the occurrence of a hernia. If an ingrown hernia is found, take the child to a regular hospital as soon as possible. Pediatric hernia treatment 1. Pediatric hernia cannot wait. Conventional high ligation of the hernia sac can cure pediatric hernia, and laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method with little damage and fast recovery. If the best time for treatment is missed, hernia repair and implantation of hernia repair materials will be needed. Pediatric hernia usually occurs soon after birth and has a high incidence. The mass is seen above the scrotum/labia when the child is crying, coughing, exercising, etc., and disappears again when it is quiet, so some children develop for a long time without the parents knowing. This results in missing the best time for treatment and leaving lifelong regrets. With the development of the disease, the mass will fall close to the scrotum/labia, causing the child to have difficulty moving and walking, and in serious cases, it will become embedded and cannot be returned, even threatening life. At the same time, the child often suffers a lot of pain once the ingrowth occurs. 2. Treatment of hernia in young children: The vast majority of inguinal hernias do not heal on their own. As the condition is delayed, the hernia mass gradually increases in size, which makes treatment difficult, and inguinal hernias are prone to impaction and strangulation, which can even endanger the patient’s life! Especially girl’s hernia is more likely to lead to necrosis of the embedded ovaries and fallopian tubes, resulting in serious complications such as infertility! Therefore, except for a few special cases, pediatric hernias should be treated thoroughly and early.