What’s with the bulge? Hernias in children

Pediatric hernias such as inguinal (groin) and umbilical (belly-button) hernias are common in children. In today’s podcast, we discuss what a hernia is and how inguinal and umbilical hernias are diagnosed and treated with pediatric surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kohler. Inguinal hernias are present in about 1-5% of babies and more common in male babies born prematurely, and most will require surgical correction. While umbilical hernias are found in approximately 20% of children and most often resolve on their own without surgery. We discuss what surgical correction of these hernias involves, and complications of hernias to be aware of. 

This episode was written by Dr. Jonathan Kohler, Dr. Dean Blumberg, Dr. Lena van der List and Abby Michalak. 

We thank Dr. Jonathan Kohler, a pediatric surgeon at UC Davis Children's Hospital, for joining us for this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Supplemental Information: 

Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin Pediatric Umbilical Hernia Repair: For Parents

Heathy Children: Inguinal Hernia in Infants and Children 

Healthy Children: Umbilical Hernia in Babies and Children

Boston Children's Hospital: What is an inguinal hernia?

Stanford Children's Health: Inguinal and Umbilical Hernias in Children

Healthy Children: Umbilical Hernia Surgery (Herniorrhaphy)

Photo from verywellfamily.com