Patient's question:
A child from a relative's family was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia when they were only a few months old. At that time, the doctor said that some cases would gradually improve on their own within a week. However, it has been more than a week, and the condition has not improved yet. So, we took the child to the hospital, and the doctor recommended surgery. I would like to ask if surgery is the best option for this type of pediatric inguinal hernia?Doctor's answer:
Inguinal hernia in children refers to the presence of a reducible mass in the inguinal region or umbilicus. A reducible mass refers to a softer lump that can be palpated on the surface of the child during activities, crying, or straining during bowel movements. However, the lump can disappear on its own when the child rests and lies flat, which is what is commonly referred to as an inguinal hernia in children. In some regions, inguinal hernia in children is called "qi gu luan zi," which means the child has a hernia.