Patient's question:
My son is 5 years old. He was found to have an inguinal hernia when he was about 7 or 8 months old. Initially, it was the size of a small thumb, but now it is about the size of a ping-pong ball. It becomes hard when he cries. Is surgical treatment recommended for pediatric inguinal hernia?Doctor's answer:
Hello, according to the information you provided, it is possible for the child's hernia to heal on its own during the developmental stage between two and three years old. If the child is already five years old and the hernia is getting larger, surgical treatment is recommended. If there are situations such as straining during bowel movements or coughing that increase abdominal pressure, it is easy for the hernia to become incarcerated, which would then be considered an emergency surgery. It is advised to go to the hospital for examination and surgical treatment to prevent the occurrence of organ damage from intestinal compression.