My son has an inguinal hernia and hydrocele

Treatment for inguinal hernia

What exercises can be done with a hernia?

Question

My son has an inguinal hernia and hydrocele in the left testicle. I think he is in some discomfort with this.

Please can you tell me at what age he can expect to be operated upon?

Answer

Whilst a hydrocoele (collection of fluid around one or other testicle) is common in the newborn in the first few days and weeks, it is abnormal in a seven-year-old.

If there is also an inguinal hernia, the two things are highly unlikely to correct themselves spontaneously and the sooner he has the operation, the better.

There is always a small risk that the hernia can strangulate. This means that the loop of bowel pushing through the muscular wall of the lower abdomen can have its blood supply nipped and cut off, leading to gangrene in the bowel itself.

Because of this, and because of any discomfort he may be experiencing, it sounds to me as if this operation should be carried out as soon as possible.

Talk to your doctor about the whys and wherefores and if your son has not already been referred to a surgeon, ask why not.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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