Patient's question:
My son is 5 years old. He was found to have a hernia when he was about 7 or 8 months old. At first, it was the size of a little finger, but now it is about the size of a ping pong ball. It becomes hard when he cries. Is surgical treatment recommended for pediatric hernia?Doctor's answer:
Hello, according to the situation you provided, it is possible for a 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 functional damage to the intestinal organs.