Patient's question:
The baby is now 38 days old. Last night, it was discovered that there was a hard lump in the left groin area when the baby cried, which softened when the baby was not crying. However, this morning, the baby was still experiencing a hard lump in the left groin even when not crying, and the left testicle was slightly swollen as well. Apart from this, the baby has no other discomfort symptoms.Past Treatment and Effectiveness:
This morning, the baby was taken to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed it as a left inguinal hernia. When the doctor pushed it, the lump could be pushed back, but it returned when the doctor released their hand. An ultrasound revealed a 3.11.8 cm hard lump in the left groin. The doctor recommended hospitalization and surgical treatment.
Help Needed:
Given that the baby is so young, can this condition be treated with surgery? Are there other treatment methods available? If surgery is necessary, how should postoperative care be managed?
Doctor's answer:
According to your description, the baby suffers from a congenital inguinal hernia, which is a relatively common condition. The baby is only about one month old. If there is no recurrence of an incarcerated hernia, surgery is not necessary. An incarcerated hernia refers to a situation where the weak hernia cannot be reduced manually. Since hernias in children under one year old can potentially heal on their own, it is recommended that if there is no recurrence of an incarcerated hernia, surgery is not required. Instead, treatments such as a hernia belt can be used to apply pressure and force the weak hernial sac to return to its normal position. Through such conservative treatment, with the child's growth and development, the hernia may still have the potential to heal on its own.