Ventral, Incisional, Epigastric, and Umbilical Hernia Repair in Children

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KEY POINTS

• Hernia repair is surgery to close the weak area in your child’s belly wall.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of your child at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them.

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What is a hernia repair?

A hernia repair is surgery to close the weak area in your child’s belly wall. The intestine (bowel) or other tissue that is pushing through the weak area is moved back into its normal place.

When your child has a hernia, part of the bowel or other tissue bulges through a weak area or gap in the muscles in or near the wall of your child’s belly. Some types of hernias include:

• Ventral, which is on the front of your child’s body but not in the groin
• Incisional, which is near a place, usually on the front of your child’s body, where your child had a surgical cut (incision) in the past
• Epigastric, which is on your child’s belly between the lower part of the breastbone and the belly button
• Umbilical, which is in or around your child’s belly button, though small umbilical hernias may close without surgery

When is it used?

Hernia repair is done to repair the gap between the muscles. This helps avoid having your child’s bowel or other tissues get trapped, which can stop blood flow and cause death of the tissue.

If your child’s healthcare provider is not able to push the bowel or other tissue back into place during an exam, your child may need surgery right away.

Your child may have one or more tests to show pictures of the organs and muscles in the lower belly:

• An ultrasound, which uses sound waves
• CT scan, which uses X-rays and a computer

How do I prepare my child for this procedure?

• This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which means that your child may be able to go home the same day or the day after surgery. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about where your child will have surgery.
• Your child may or may not need to take regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your child’s healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements your child takes. Some products may increase your child’s risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if your child needs to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your child’s healthcare provider will tell you when your child should stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep your child from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow any other instructions your child’s healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your child’s healthcare provider is going to do.

What happens during the procedure?

Your child will be given regional or general anesthesia to keep from feeling pain during the procedure. Regional anesthesia numbs part of the body while your child stays awake. If your child has regional anesthesia, your child may also be given medicine to help relax. General anesthesia relaxes your child’s muscles and puts your child into a deep sleep.

What happens after the procedure?

Ask your child’s healthcare provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities your child should avoid and when your child can return to normal activities
• How to take care of your child at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them

Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• Your child may have problems with anesthesia.
• Your child may have an infection or bleeding.
• Other parts of your child’s body may be injured during the surgery.

Ask your child’s healthcare provider how these risks apply to your child. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.