Inguinal hernia and hydrocele surgery

Goal of the operation

In an inguinal hernia and a communicating hydrocele, the cause of the problem is the same: a canal that has stayed open between the abdomen and the groin and scrotum. The operation closes this canal.

Methods

Open method

A 1.5–2 cm incision in the groin crease. The open canal (hernia sac) next to the spermatic cord is found, the testicular blood vessels and the vas deferens are carefully separated, and the canal is closed at the top. In a hydrocele, the fluid is drained. The incision is closed under the skin with absorbable stitches.

Laparoscopic method

With a 3–5 mm camera placed through the belly button, the canal is found from inside the abdomen and closed from the inside. The other side is checked at the same time, and if there is an open canal, it is closed too. The incisions are very small.

Both methods are safe and have similar results.

Day of surgery

• Fasting rules before anesthesia (anesthesia in children).
• General anesthesia with local anesthesia.
• The child goes home a few hours after waking up. Small babies born prematurely are monitored in the hospital overnight.

At home

• Mild swelling at the incision and bruising of the scrotum are normal in the first days.
• A short shower after 48 hours.
• Simple pain relievers for 1–3 days.
• The child returns to usual play in 1–2 days and avoids strenuous sports and straddle toys for 1–2 weeks.

Possible problems

Complications are rare: wound infection, recurrence of the hernia (about 1%) and, very rarely, the testicle moving up or getting smaller.