Yes, babies can survive a hernia and it is a common health issue among infants. A hernia is when an organ, such as the intestine or fatty tissue, pushes through the muscle that usually holds it in place.
Hernias are usually harmless and cause no long-term damage, but they can be painful. Babies often outgrow their hernias as they get older, and they can sometimes heal on their own. In some cases, a doctor may need to intervene, as hernia surgery may be necessary in some situations.
Healthy lifestyle practices such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and refraining from smoking can help reduce the risk of a hernia developing or recurring in babies and adults alike.
How serious is a hernia in a baby?
The seriousness of a hernia in a baby can vary, depending on its size and location. Some hernias in newborns can heal on their own, while some require surgery. Hernias that occur in the abdominal area can cause organs, such as the intestines, to become trapped outside the abdominal wall and can compromise the baby’s health and be life-threatening.
That is why it is important to have a newborn baby evaluated by a doctor as soon as the hernia is noticed.
Minor hernias that don’t cause any health problems or decrease in the baby’s movement don’t require surgery, but they may still require monitoring. In some cases, if a hernia has not closed by the time a baby is 18 months old then a doctor may recommend surgery, as the hernia is likely to remain open as the child grows.
The surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic, and a small incision will be made in the skin around where the hernia is located so that the hernia can be located and repaired.
In any case, hernias in newborns should be monitored by a doctor and treated if necessary, as it is important that they are not left untreated.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s hernia?
If you notice a lump on your baby’s stomach that appears when they cry, laugh, strain or push, you should be concerned and have it checked out by your pediatrician. It could be an inguinal hernia, which is when a piece of intestine slides through a weak area of abdominal muscle.
It’s usually not dangerous if it’s small, but if it gets bigger, it could cause pain and complications. Other signs you should watch out for include swelling in the hernia area, vomiting and irritability.
Depending on the size of the hernia and how long it has been present, your pediatrician may choose to monitor it or recommend surgery to repair it.
Is hernia surgery in a baby serious?
Yes, hernia surgery in a baby is a serious surgical procedure. While there is generally a very low risk of complications, the potential for complications from any surgery is always present. This means that hernia surgery in a baby can cause serious problems if it is not done correctly.
The risks involved with the procedure include infection, bleeding, scarring, and other postoperative issues. Your baby’s surgeon will discuss all possible risks, benefits, and alternatives before performing the surgery.
After the surgery, it is important to follow all postoperative instructions from your doctor and monitor your baby for any signs of complications.
Is it common for babies to need hernia surgery?
No, it is not common for babies to need hernia surgery. In general, most hernias in babies do not require surgery, as the hernia often resolves on its own in the first two years of life and is often not considered a high risk for complications.
However, if the hernia is large, recurrent, or incarcerated (trapped in the abdominal wall), it may require surgical intervention. Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and while there are associated risks, such as reactions to anesthesia, general anesthesia is not usually used in hernia surgery in babies.
After surgery, recovery is typically fast and without major complications.
Are hernias painful for babies?
Hernias can be painful for babies, depending on the type and severity of the condition. In most cases, hernias can cause discomfort in babies due to increased pressure on the abdominal muscles or constriction of the intestines.
In some cases, hernias can contribute to vomiting, abdominal swelling, and difficulty passing stool. Additionally, incarcerated hernias, when a small intestine becomes trapped in the hernia sac, can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fullness as the intestines are unable to pass.
In these instances, an infant may need surgery to repair the hernia. Luckily, most hernias can be managed with careful monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as reducing the amount of time spent crying and doing activities that may cause straining.
Why do babies get hernias?
Babies can get hernias due to a physical defect or weakness in the abdominal muscles. This defect can be present at birth, or it can develop over time as the baby grows. In newborns, hernias can be due to a birth defect or a gap in the baby’s abdominal wall, known as a fetal hernia.
This type of hernia may close on its own over time, or it may require surgery. Hernias can also occur when a baby’s abdominal muscles are weak and the pressure from crying, coughing, or straining leads to a hernia.
This is known as an acquired hernia. Surgery is usually recommended to repair acquired hernias. In some cases, a hernia can become strangulated, which means it’s trapped and the blood supply is cut off.
This can cause serious health complications and can be life-threatening for the baby.
Is a hernia in a child an emergency?
It depends on the severity of the hernia. Some hernias in a child may not require immediate medical attention, although, if the hernia complications are severe and the hernia is strangulated or has incarcerated the bowel, it is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Signs of strangulated or incarcerated hernias in a child include intense pain, an inability to pass gas, tenderness and swelling of the hernia, vomiting, and fever. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
What causes a baby to be born with a hernia?
A baby can be born with a hernia if there is a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall that allows part of the gut or intestine to protrude through. While the exact cause is not always known, there can be several potential factors.
For instance, a baby may be born with a hernia due to a genetic condition, like a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or may be related to an abnormality or infection during pregnancy. Other potential causes include an increase of pressure on the abdominal wall during childbirth or defects in the abdominal muscles.
In some cases, the hernia may not cause any symptoms and can resolve without any intervention, but in other cases, it may require medical attention or surgery.
Do hernia in babies go away?
No, hernias in babies do not go away on their own. While some hernias may stay the same size or shrink, a hernia typically needs to be surgically repaired. The most common type of hernia in babies is an inguinal hernia, which can cause a bulge in the baby’s groin area.
Other types of hernias, such as umbilical hernias, may require surgery as well. In many cases, hernias are painless, but in some cases, a hernia may need to be repaired if it causes the baby discomfort or if there is a risk of the bowel twisting (strangulation).
If a baby’s hernia is small, the doctor may recommend watchful waiting, but if the size of the hernia has not changed after several months or if it gets larger, then surgery may be recommended. During the surgery, the doctor will push the bulging tissue back into the abdominal cavity, and then the opening may be closed with strong stitches or with a mesh patch.
In most cases, the baby will need to stay in the hospital overnight and will be able to return home the following day. With prompt treatment, hernias in babies can be repaired with minimal risk and complication.
How can I treat my baby hernia at home?
Treating your baby’s hernia at home is possible, but it should be done only under the guidance of your pediatrician. In general, it is recommended to wait and let the hernia resolve on its own. If needed, the doctor may suggest specific measures, such as wearing a supportive diaper, avoiding lifting heavy objects and doing gentle exercises.
You should also watch what your baby eats and be conscious of their diet. Provide them with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes as these all contain fiber which can help strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Additionally, make sure your baby stays hydrated and drinks plenty of fluids to keep their digestive system functioning properly.
For some more serious cases, surgery may be the best option and this will be determined by the doctor. If your baby needs to have surgery, your doctor can make sure it is done in a safe and efficient manner.
It’s important to note that hernias can recur, so make sure to follow up with your pediatrician for regular checkups.
How did my baby get a hernia?
A hernia is a condition in which an organ or tissue of the body protrudes through the abdominal wall. It’s most commonly seen in babies and is usually the result of a weakness in the abdominal wall muscles near the belly button (umbilical) or groin area, or due to an abdominal opening that didn’t close properly during fetal development.
In some cases, the cause of a hernia is not known. However, a baby can develop a hernia due to increased pressure in the abdomen. Straining during crying, straining while trying to pass a stool, sudden increases in abdominal contents due to excessive volume or gas, and birth complications are some of the common causes of increased pressure in the abdomen.
Overweight and obese mothers are also more likely to give birth to a baby with a hernia.
Hernias in newborns typically go away on their own without requiring any treatment. However, if the hernia gets bigger or if the baby’s age indicates that the hernia won’t go away on its own, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia.
Surgery might involve using stitches or patches to close the hole in the abdominal wall and preventing the organ or tissue from protruding out again.
How long do babies stay in hospital after hernia surgery?
The length of time that babies stay in the hospital after hernia surgery typically depends on the type of hernia, the severity of the hernia, and the age of the baby. For most hernia surgeries, babies typically stay in the hospital for one to two days.
In some cases, complex hernias or hernias in younger babies may require additional observation and monitoring that may require a longer hospital stay. Additionally, certain hernia surgeries may require a longer hospital stay if they involve other treatments such as abdominal or inguinal repairs.
To assess the length of a baby’s hospital stay, it is best to speak with the baby’s doctor or healthcare provider.
Can baby go home after hernia surgery?
In general, yes, a baby can go home after hernia surgery. The length of time they stay in the hospital will depend on the type of hernia repair that was done and the age and overall health of the baby.
Many uncomplicated hernia repairs can be done as outpatient surgeries, meaning the baby goes home the same day as their surgery. Other more complicated repairs or procedures may require the baby to stay in the hospital overnight.
Once the baby is discharged, the parents should have specific follow-up care instructions from the doctor to ensure the hernia heals properly. This may include follow-up doctor visits, medications, and lifestyle changes to reduce any discomfort and help the incision heal.
