Pediatric Hernias
Pediatric hernias are one of the most common childhood conditions that require surgery. If your child has a hernia, turn to the experienced surgeons at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to repair it quickly.
Children can “scan” a teddy bear on a model CT scanner to prepare for the experience.
What Is a Hernia?
Hernias happen when fatty tissue or an organ pushes through a weak spot in the connective tissue beneath the skin that holds it in place. Hernias cause swelling, like a balloon filling with air. Hernias often don’t get better on their own. In fact, they can get worse, especially if your child is active. If your child needs surgery, the surgeon will gently place the tissue or organ back where it belongs inside the body, then close the muscle wall to keep it there.
Types of Pediatric Hernias
The three most common types of hernias in children are:
- Inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall near the groin.
- Umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the belly button (navel).
- Epigastric hernia happens when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall above the belly button.
How We Treat Pediatric Hernias
We repair hundreds of hernias for children in South Florida and beyond every year. We offer:
- Minimally invasive procedures: We often use procedures such as laparoscopy, which involves inserting a tiny camera to see inside your child’s abdomen. These techniques generally mean smaller incisions and fewer stitches, translating to less downtime after surgery.
- Outpatient surgery: Our surgeons often perform hernia surgery on an outpatient basis, so your child can go home the same day. We help your family follow recovery guidelines to ensure the hernia heals completely.
- Convenient locations: We offer several surgery locations throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties, so you won’t have to travel far for treatment.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment at any location, call 954-265-0072.
