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Inguinal Hernia, Pediatric

Nora M. Fullington, MD and Jeremy T. Aidlen, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents (intestine, omentum) into, and often through, the inguinal canal. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Inguinal hernia is the most frequent problem requi...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Most common presentation is complaint of swelling or bulge in the inguinal area.

  • Intermittently appearing

    • Present during times of increased intra-abdominal pressure such as crying or st...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Try to reduce the hernia with the child in the supine and/or head-down position so that gravity assists the maneuver.

  • Many suggest application of pressure to hernia that is di...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Preoperative: Parents should consult a physician immediately if signs of incarceration are present (firm or tender lump, pain, or emesis).

  • Postoperative: Avoidance of majo...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Sarpel U, Palmer SK, Dolgin SE. The incidence of complete androgen insensitivity in girls with inguinal hernias and assessment of screening by vaginal length measurement. J Pediatr ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 550.90 Inguinal hernia, without mention of obstruction or gangrene, unilateral or unspecified (not specified as recurrent)

  • 550.10 Inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without mention of gangren...

FAQ

  • Q: When should a pediatric surgeon be consulted for a suspected inguinal hernia?

  • A: Inguinal hernias do not resolve and require repair to avoid the complications associated with incarceration and s...

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