Inguinal hernia in children differs from inguinal hernia in adults. There is no underlying weakening in the abdominal wall. In children, there is an open connection between the abdominal cavity and the groin that can extend down into the scrotum in boys and the outer labia in girls. An inguinal hernia is present in about 3-5% of all children and is 10 times more common in boys.

A groin hernia usually presents as a bulging in the groin that protrudes when the child increases the pressure in the abdomen (screams, cries or shakes). This is caused by the increased abdominal pressure on the hernia. In 15%, there is a hernia on both sides. Inguinal hernia does not disappear spontaneously but needs surgery.

The risk with a persisting groin hernia is an intestinal incarceration (so-called strangulation). If this happens, there is a risk of damage to the intestines or testicles. In most people, even small children, the hernia can be repaired with a laparoscopic operation. Sometimes, however, an open operation may be preferable.

The testicles are formed during the fetal life inside the abdominal cavity. From there, they migrate down to the scrotum through the groin canal, usually during the last third of the fetal period. In 3 - 5% of all newborn boys, however, one or both testicles have not moved down in the normal way but remain inside the abdomen or groin. At the age of six months, the number is 1%. After this, the proportion of testicles that migrate down spontaneously is extremely small.

A testicle that has not migrated normally has an increased risk of developing testicular cancer and may have impaired sperm production. It has been shown to be important to operate on the testicle in the right place as soon as possible as it develops better in the scrotum. It is recommended to undergo this operation between 10 - 18 months of age. This is performed with so-called orchidopexy.

If the testicle remains inside the abdominal cavity, a laparoscopic surgery is often required to get it down to the right place, while a single open operation is sufficient for the testicles found in the groin.

Having your child operated on feels nervous for most parents and we do our utmost to make you and your child comfortable, safe and well cared for. At a first visit, an examination and assessment is made and we discuss and explain a possible intervention.

If it becomes relevant with an operation, it always takes place under anesthesia. You can usually go home the same day. A return visit takes place after a few months.