Inguinal hernia in boys/girls | Physiotherapy for a child’s inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernia in boys/girls

In about 4% of all newborns an inguinal hernia occurs, with boys being affected 4 times more frequently than girls. Especially premature babies are at high risk of suffering from inguinal hernia because they are even further behind in their development. Due to the anatomy of boys and girls, the symptoms of an inguinal hernia can also differ slightly.

The inguinal hernia creates a connection between the inguinal channel and the internal organs. These can then be pushed into the inguinal channel in a so-called hernia sac. In girls, this hernia sac can extend partially to the labia where it can be palpated by a soft swelling.

In boys, the inguinal canal extends into the scrotum, so that in the case of an inguinal hernia, swelling is possible at this point. Due to the circumstances, an inguinal hernia in children with congenital problems already occurs within the first year of life and can be treated very well therapeutically if a quick action is taken, so that an operation is not necessary in all cases.

• That is because of the fact that with the development of a boy in the womb the inguinal canal closes only very late and is so partially still easily opened in the birth.
• In girls, on the other hand, the inguinal canal also closes later, but is also closed by connective tissue.

Summary

In summary, it can be said that physiotherapy does not play as big a role in inguinal hernia in children as it does in adults, this is because in children there are no muscular deficits that have favoured the inguinal hernia. Nevertheless, physiotherapy is a good supportive measure in the conservative therapy and post-treatment of inguinal hernia in children, in order to protect them from problems in the long term.