Patient's question:
My baby is currently around two and a half weeks old, and he has been experiencing hernia. We have been using a hernia belt on him. The doctor said it could heal on its own, but a few days ago, we noticed that it hasn't healed yet and considered having surgery.Treatment history and effectiveness:
During this period, we took the hernia belt off, and the child had hernia twice. We went to the hospital twice, but they both suggested putting the belt back on.
Help needed:
Could you please advise on the following:
1. If surgery is performed now, what preparations should the child make?
2. Is the child too young for surgery?
3. How long after the surgery can the child eat?
4. How long before the child can get up?
5. If the child is laid flat, will crying cause the wound to heal poorly?
Doctor's answer:
Because the child is too young, general anesthesia is required during the inguinal hernia surgery, which can easily damage brain cells and nerve tissue, potentially causing some interference with the child's intellectual development and growth. Additionally, postoperative pain leading to crying can be beneficial for the complete recovery of the surgery. These are the drawbacks of undergoing surgery, and surgery is not the only effective method for treating inguinal hernias. Traditional Chinese medicine therapies, particularly pure topical herbal applications, have shown good efficacy for inguinal hernias in children under 12. Currently, the commonly used surgical methods include tension-free hernia repair with a mesh patch and tension-free herniorrhaphy with ring injection.Because the child is too young, general anesthesia is required during the inguinal hernia surgery, which can easily damage brain cells and nerve tissue, potentially causing some interference with the child's intellectual development and growth. Additionally, postoperative pain leading to crying can be beneficial for the complete recovery of the surgery. These are the drawbacks of undergoing surgery, and surgery is not the only effective method for treating inguinal hernias. Traditional Chinese medicine therapies, particularly pure topical herbal applications, have shown good efficacy for inguinal hernias in children under 12. Currently, the commonly used surgical methods include tension-free hernia repair with a mesh patch and tension-free herniorrhaphy with ring injection.
Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a regular hospital to weigh the pros and cons and determine the best plan. The above advice is for the question "A 2.5-year-old boy with inguinal hernia wants to have surgery," and it is hoped that it will be helpful to you. Wishing you good health!