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The most common types of hernias seen in children are inguinal hernias (ruptured bowel) and umbilical hernias (belly button protrusions). The Children's Hernia Center is a medical department that specializes in treating these types of hernias.
Most hernias in children are congenital (congenital) and are different from hernias that occur in the elderly. Therefore, the treatment methods are also different. For this reason, a specialized facility for pediatric hernias operated by pediatric surgeons who treat many pediatric hernias is required.
SoAt Kitano Hospital, pediatric surgeons who specialize in children's surgery are the main"Children's Hernia Center"We have opened a new website.
Inguinal hernia is a common condition that occurs in 1-5% of children. The membrane (peritoneum) that surrounds all the organs protrudes outside the abdominal muscles, and the intestines or ovaries enter inside, appearing distended. Even if the intestines enter, if they return quickly, it is not an emergency. However, sometimes the intestines do not return. The child will become irritable, and the swollen area will feel hard and very painful to the touch. If this condition is left untreated, blood will not flow to the intestines, which will eventually rot. Depending on the situation, emergency surgery may be necessary, so please see a doctor immediately.
If the intestines or ovaries have escaped, they are returned to the abdomen and the hole that protrudes from the abdominal muscles is closed. The surgery takes about 30 minutes.
The anesthesia used is general anesthesia (anesthesia that puts you to sleep). You will feel a little drowsy after the surgery, but you will soon feel better. As the surgery involves only small incisions, there will not be much pain. If you have any concerns about the anesthesia, please feel free to ask the anesthesiologist during your consultation before the surgery.
At our hospital, we generally perform same-day surgery (no overnight stay). (There are cases where same-day surgery is not possible, so please feel free to contact us.)
There are no restrictions on your lifestyle as before surgery. After being discharged from the hospital, you can go to school or kindergarten. Bathing (showering) is possible from the second day after surgery. Please refrain from strenuous exercise and swimming for one week after surgery.
This surgery involves making a 2cm incision in the groin area and tying off the base of the hernia sac. The incision is hidden by pants, so it is not noticeable. Since the hernia on the other side cannot be observed, there is a risk of a hernia developing on the other side in the future.
A camera is inserted through the navel, and the inside of the abdomen is displayed on a monitor to observe the hernia from the inside. After that, a thin instrument 2 mm in diameter is inserted through the right or left abdomen, and the base of the hernia sac is closed using a special needle and thread. The scar is barely noticeable. If laparoscopic surgery is difficult or problems arise, the procedure may be changed to a conventional surgery midway.
The scars are significantly smaller than those left by conventional surgery.
Laparoscopy allows observation from inside the abdomen, so it is possible to find a hernia on the opposite side (about half of patients have a hernia on the opposite side). If one is found, surgery can be performed at the same time. Therefore, laparoscopic surgery rarely results in a recurrence of a hernia on the opposite side.
In boys, the testicular blood vessels and the vas deferens that send semen are located right next to the hernia. Because the endoscope allows for magnification, it is believed to have less impact on the blood vessels and vas deferens compared to the inguinal method.
Inguinal hernia (PDF download)Please also refer to:
The patient arrived at the hospital at 8:15 and underwent surgery. After confirming there were no problems during follow-up observation,16:00The surgery will be performed in a way that minimizes the burden on both the child and their family.
There are also adults who develop the same types of hernias (congenital) as children, and most of these develop at a young age.
Inguinal hernias in adults are generally caused by a weak abdominal wall, and treatment requires the abdominal wall to be reinforced by inserting an artificial material. However, inguinal hernias that develop before the age of 40 may be childhood-type inguinal hernias, and may not require the insertion of an artificial material.
For this type of hernia, even adults can be treated with the same simple surgical procedure as for inguinal hernias in children, which does not involve the insertion of a foreign object.
An umbilical hernia is what is commonly known as a "belly button protrusion." The belly button is the place where the umbilical cord passes through the abdominal wall when the baby is inside the mother's womb. Normally, after the umbilical cord falls off, the hole in the abdominal wall at the belly button closes tightly, but if the hole remains, it becomes an umbilical hernia (belly button protrusion). It occurs in 1 in 5 to 10 people.
At first visit
For most people, the hole in the abdominal wall closes naturally by around the age of one, and the umbilical hernia is cured. However, if the belly button is left in a swollen state for a long time, the skin around the belly button may become too stretched, ultimately resulting in an unattractive belly button. To prevent this, our clinic recommends compression therapy. Compression therapy involves holding down the protruding belly button with a cotton ball and securing it with clear medical tape. Patients should continue this at home until the hole in the abdominal wall closes.
Compression therapy
Most umbilical hernias heal naturally by the time a child is about one year old (the hole in the abdominal wall closes). However, there are some children whose umbilical hernia (belly button protrusion) remains even after they turn one year old. Although an umbilical hernia does not pose a health risk, surgery may be performed to improve appearance. If you are concerned about the shape of your navel, please contact us.
At 5 months
| How to get examined | Please bring a referral letter from another medical institution addressed to the Children's Hernia Center or Pediatric Surgery Department and visit us on the outpatient consultation day (Please refer to this page for reception hours) or make a reservation. ※You can visit us without a referral letter,Selected medical expenses will be incurred separately from the medical examination fee.. |
|---|---|
| Outpatient consultation date | Pediatric Surgery Outpatient DepartmentWe will accept and examine you. |
| surgery date | Monday, Tuesday |
| About reservations | From the patientFor appointment reservations, please see this pagePlease check. |
| inquiry | Kitano Hospital Main Building 2nd Floor Block B Reception Phone 06-6312-8827 |
We have prepared a template for the medical information form for inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and spermatocele. Please feel free to use it.
