Patient's question:
A six-month-old male, when crying, the small intestine has dropped down to the right testicle. When not crying, it slowly retracts. Is surgery the only option for this situation? Or are there other treatment methods besides surgery?Doctor's answer:
In this case, the child has an inguinal hernia, which generally has a possibility of self-healing within the first 2 years and does not require intervention. It is best to avoid letting the child cry excessively. If the hernia weakens and returns to its normal position when lying flat, no further action is needed. However, if the weakened hernia cannot be retracted and the child cries excessively, and if the lump feels hard upon palpation, it may indicate an incarceration, requiring immediate hospital treatment for repositioning. After the age of 2, if the hernia has not healed, surgical removal should be considered. The testicle can recover, but the treatment period is usually long, and there is a high risk of recurrence after treatment. Therefore, active cooperation with the doctor and proper medication are essential during the treatment.