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Charleston, SC 29425
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800-424-MUSC
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What is an inguinal hernia?
A hernia is a small opening in the abdominal wall through which abdominal contents, such as intestine, can slip through. It is often described as a "bubble" or "bump" under the child's skin. Sometimes the lump goes down into the scrotum in a boy or the labia in a girl.
These hernias do not go away on their own. They did not occur from muscle weakness, as in adults. If a child has a hernia, it was most likely present since birth.
What causes and inguinal hernia?
BOYS: While the fetus is still developing, the testes are initially in the abdomen. In most boys they move into the scrotum before birth. As they do this, some of the lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum) comes down as a sack containing the testicle. In most boys the sack's opening is closed at birth, but in some boys it remains open. Contents in the abdomen (fluid and intestines) can freely move into the scrotum and back (which accounts for the changes in size often observed).
GIRLS: Girls also get hernias, but they are significantly less common. The intact connection is between the inside lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) and the lining of the labia.
What happens the day of surgery?
We do all of our surgical procedures at MUSC Rutledge Tower or MUSC's Children's Hospital. This surgery is most commonly a same day surgical procedure, your child will come in on the day of surgery and be discharged home on the same day. Occasionally, due to the patients age, the anesthesiologist may have your child stay over night for post anesthesia observation.
When it is your time to meet the Anesthesiologist, you will be taken to the Holding area. There you will be checked in by the operating room nurses. At this time we will see you to discuss any last minute concerns you may have.
From the Holding area, your child will be taken to the Operating Room (OR) by one of our nurses and you will be directed to the family waiting area where we will find you immediately after the surgery is done.
What happens during surgery?
Once your child is in the Operating room the Anesthesiologist puts them to sleep using a gas mask (with scent of your child's choice). Once asleep your child is kept asleep by gas and IV anesthetics and the anesthesiologist monitors them during the entire operation.
By this time, the surgeon will have determined the best way to repair the inguinal hernia. The two methods are Open and Laparoscopic/Needlescopic technique. This will be discussed at your initial visit (prior to signing consent). The surgical incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and a simple dressing (band-aid like) is placed. There is no need for any special wound care.
What happens after surgery?
After the surgeon is done operating, he/she will come and speak with you in the Waiting Area. Your child will be taken to the Recovery Room, for monitoring until complete awakening from anesthesia. When your child does not need further monitoring, he/she will be brought to you in preparation for discharge.
How do I care for my child after surgery?
Your child will have simple bandages (band-aid like) at each incision site. Tattoo Band-Aids will fall off on their own (if still present by day 7 after surgery, you may remove them your self). Under the tape Band Aide, there may be a steri strip. This will also fall off on its own. You may bathe your child regularly, by 24-48 hours after surgery (or as otherwise specified on your discharge instructions).
You will be surprised how quickly your child will recover from surgery. He/she may feel fine again as soon as the evening after surgery or the following morning. We ask that you attempt to restrict strenuous physical activity (jumping, running, lifting) for at least 10 days following surgery. Your child may have a regular diet without restrictions.
Depending on the age of the child, you may be sent home with a pain medication prescription. We recommend alternating Tylenol (or the Tylenol with Codeine) with Ibuprofen.
There are specific instructions regarding your post op care on your discharge instructions.
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