Inguinal Hernia

Question 1

Def

Answer 1

When the processus vaginalis fails to close completely during embryonal development, an inguinal hernia may occur. This allows the abdominal or pelvic viscera to travel through the internal inguinal ring into the inguinal canal.

Question 2

S/s

Answer 2

• bulging mass in the lower abdomen or groin area
• Boys are more likely than girls to develop inguinal hernia and premature infants demonstrate an increased incidence overall

Question 3

Management/Tx:

Answer 3

Management:
- reduce the hernia by pushing it back through the external inguinal ring. Reduction is only a temporary method of managing inguinal hernias; they must be corrected surgically.
- Instruct the family to contact the surgeon immediately if the hernia becomes irreducible
- Tell the parents that if the child’s inguinal hernia becomes hard, discolored, or painful (evidenced by inconsolable crying), they should immediately call the physician or nurse practitioner to determine the next course of action (office visit or emergency room visit).

Tx:
- surgery