Patient's question:
The baby keeps crying, and after a thorough examination at the hospital, it was found to be a hernia. The doctor recommended immediate surgery, but it may require general anesthesia. I'm worried it might affect the child's future growth and development, and have side effects on the brain. He needs to have the surgery now. Could you please tell me where the general anesthesia is administered for pediatric inguinal hernia?Doctor's answer:
The formation of hernia is greatly related to the patient's constitution. It is often caused by factors such as coughing, chills, excessive exertion, abdominal obesity, strained bowel movements, or excessive crying in children, leading to negative pressure in the abdominal cavity. This reduces the intra-abdominal pressure, forcing the free abdominal organs to protrude. If a two-year-old child develops a hernia without incarceration or strangulation, surgery is generally not required for treatment. Since children's hernias are congenital, with the child's growth and development, the inguinal canal will naturally close, and the hernia can heal on its own. However, if the hernia has not healed by the age of 5, surgery may be considered for treatment. During surgery, children need to be fully anesthetized, with anesthesia administered intravenously.