Can you join the army with an inguinal hernia scar?

Patient's question:

I've reached the age for military physical examination, and I got vaccinated today. I received a call from the military physical examination office, and I plan to come back tomorrow for the health check-up. However, when I was a child, I had surgery for a hernia, and there is a noticeable scar on my abdomen. Can a hernia scar from childhood disqualify me from joining the military?

Doctor's answer:

Hydroceles are very common in clinical diagnosis, and in most cases, surgical treatment is required. As age increases and the body grows, the scars left by hydroceles often heal on their own and may even disappear. However, those with a predisposition to keloid scarring should be aware of this.
According to your description, the requirements for military recruitment vary depending on the specific branch. For non-specialized branches, such as the Air Force, hydrocele surgery generally does not affect eligibility. However, for specific advice, it is recommended to consult the local recruitment office.

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