Hernias in Children

A hernia is a common finding in children and almost always congenital. Some hernias do not need surgical management whereas others must always be managed surgically, even though hernias in children are often neither symptomatic nor is there a risk of strangulation. A good referral letter to specialist care should include information about the symptoms, results of the physical examination and a description of the child's general state of health. A good referral letter will render an extra hospital examination unnecessary, and an appointment time can be allocated for the necessary procedure on the basis of the referral letter. Hernia surgery is generally carried out as a day case procedure, and it is very rare for a hernia to recur after a surgical repair.