A hernia happens when a small opening in the abdominal wall lets tissue push through, often showing up as a soft bulge in the groin or around the belly button. Hernias are very common in children, including babies. Repair is one of the most frequently performed pediatric operations, and most children go home the same day.
Every child is different. These are the most common reasons families come to us about hernia repair.
A bulge that comes and goes
Often more visible when your child cries, coughs, or strains, and it may disappear when they relax or lie down.
Groin or scrotal swelling
Inguinal hernias appear in the groin and may extend into the scrotum in boys.
Belly-button bulge
Umbilical hernias are common in infants and many close on their own by early childhood.
Fussiness or discomfort
Some children feel a pulling sensation; many have no pain at all.
When to call, and when to go straight in
If a bulge becomes hard, painful, discolored, or will not push back in, or if your child is vomiting with a swollen belly, go to the emergency room or call 911. That can mean tissue is trapped and needs urgent care. For a soft, painless bulge, call our office and we will arrange a timely visit.
Minimally invasive wherever it is the safest choice, and a plan you can understand and take home.
Small incisions, short recovery
Inguinal hernias are typically repaired through a very small groin incision, or laparoscopically when that offers an advantage, such as checking the other side.
Right timing for each child
Inguinal hernias are usually repaired soon after diagnosis. Many umbilical hernias are safely watched for a few years before deciding on surgery.
Comfort-focused anesthesia
Pediatric anesthesiologists often add a local numbing block so your child wakes up comfortable.
Before
A gentle exam and a clear plan
We confirm the type of hernia in the office, usually without any imaging, and schedule surgery at a time that works for your family.
Day of surgery
In and out in a morning
The operation is brief. You will be reunited in recovery as your child wakes, and most families are home by lunchtime.
Recovery
Back to normal within days
Mild soreness is expected for a few days. Most children return to school or daycare quickly, with a short break from rough play.
Over-the-counter pain relief as directed is usually all that is needed.
Keep the incision clean; bathing guidance is provided at discharge.
Expect some bruising or swelling near the incision that settles in a week or two.
Avoid straddle toys, sports, and heavy lifting for about two weeks.
Call if you notice redness spreading, drainage, or fever.
Still wondering about something? Bring every question to the consultation. Nothing is too small.
Umbilical hernias often close by age 3. Inguinal hernias and epigastric hernias do not close and typically require repair.
Rarely. Most pediatric hernias are repaired by closing the natural opening with stitches.
Recurrence is uncommon, typically around 2%.
Sometimes. We discuss this with you, and laparoscopy allows us to look at both sides through the same tiny incision.
Talk it through
Discuss this with Dr. Frykman
Request an appointment and a member of the team will call you back. Urgent concerns are triaged the same day wherever possible.
Dr. Philip K. Frykman
Board-certified pediatric surgeon
Hernia repair is a small procedure with a big sense of relief for parents, and I treat every child as if they were my own.
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