The arrival of a baby is something wonderful, but sometimes a baby may be born with complications. Inguinal hernia is one of them. It is 8 times more frequent in boys than in girls. It occurs in one of every 500 births. Statistics also indicate that it is more common among premature and low-birth-weight newborns.

Dr. José Luis Apaza, Pediatric Surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma, explains that the inguinal region of the body is located between the abdomen and the lower limbs, and it contains the inguinal canal through which blood vessels and the spermatic cord (in males) and the round ligament (in females) pass.

In addition, he says that the inguinal hernia is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall provoking an opening of the inguinal canal forming a sac through which the bowel loops or other abdominal organs can leave.

Clinically, it is defined as a soft tumor in the inguinal region that occurs when doing some effort, pushing or coughing. It can return to its place with rest or reduction by a specialized professional.

Parents should suspect this problem when their babies are born prematurely with little weight and/or notice that after pushing or doing some effort a lump appears in the inguinal region, which disappears at rest.

When a child is already diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and becomes complicated, pain and vomits may appear. It requires surgery and must be quick. This can be conventional or laparoscopic. The child recovers in a week with a good wound healing. After 20 days of the intervention, the child can perform his/her usual activities.

Dr. José Luis Apaza
Pediatric Surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma