Is it possible to avoid removal of a hernia of the linea alba in children? Hernia of the white line of the abdomen in children White hernia of the abdomen in children

A hernia of the linea alba in a child is a protrusion of the contents of the abdominal cavity through a natural or pathological opening. Pathology is formed due to a defect in the muscle layer of the anterior abdominal wall. A similar defect is formed during the embryonic development of the fetus. The constituent parts of the tissue layers of the white line of the abdomen do not develop well and correctly at different stages of the child’s intrauterine development.

How is a supra-umbilical hernia formed?

The linea alba is a collection of tendon strips that originate from the xiphoid process and reach the pubic fusion. It is wider in the upper half of the abdomen and gradually narrows at the bottom. The linea alba is made up of collagen fibers and connective tissue that connect the right rectus abdominis muscle to the left. It is formed as a result of the fusion of aponeuroses (tendon plate) of muscles on the anterior wall of the peritoneum.

A hernia is formed due to the divergence of tendons on the white line of the abdomen. With increased intra-abdominal pressure, the contents of the cavity, together with the serous membrane of the peritoneum, exit through the resulting hole under the skin, maintaining the integrity of the tissue.

A hernia is a complex formation, which includes:

The hernial orifice is an opening between the tendons of the white line of the abdomen (in other words, an irregularly shaped gap) through which the contents of the abdominal cavity exit.
The hernial sac is represented by a serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity from the inside. It forms a kind of pockets in the openings of the aponeuroses. This formation gradually increases with coughing or tension in the abdominal wall.
The hernial contents are the omentum, intestinal loops, and sometimes other abdominal organs are found: the bladder, the pancreas. You can see what a supra-umbilical hernia looks like in the photo.

Symptoms and causes

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In children, pathology is usually detected at the age of 5 years, but it also occurs in newborns. Prerequisites for the formation of hernias are:
scars from abdominal surgery;
heredity;
obesity;
frequent constipation;
hysterical cough and scream;
ascites;
congenital defect of the abdominal muscles;
underdevelopment of tendons;
binge eating.

The symptoms of the disease are unclear, so they are determined by the doctor during examination. Under certain conditions, a bulge in the abdomen is noticeable, which increases when lifting heavy objects or after eating. Painful sensations are found in the upper abdomen when pressed with hands. In the lying position, the hernia is barely noticeable; with pressure, it also decreases.
Some signs should alert mothers and fathers of children. These include abdominal pain after eating, heartburn and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, possibly indigestion and decreased or absent appetite. In infants, the pathology may be the result of constant strong crying or coughing, which increases pressure in the abdominal cavity.

In infants, the cause of a hernia can be constant continuous crying.
With hernias of significant size, pain is localized in the sternum and on the back, and there may also be pain under the shoulder blades. When you sneeze or cough for a long time, the hernia increases. If the child’s well-being sharply deteriorates and the pain worsens, then a complication of the disease in the form of injury to the hernial sac is possible.
Types and stages of hernia development
Depending on the location, the following types of hernias are distinguished:
Epigastric. This pathology accounts for about 80% of all cases of the disease. It is located above the navel. Also known as supra-umbilical and epigastric hernia.
Paraumbilical. Localized near the navel, but not in it (see also:). This type of pathology is very rare - about 1% of all cases.
Subumbilical. Localized under the navel. Occurs in 10% of sick children.

When forming, pathology goes through several stages of development:
Preperitoneal lipoma. Usually not accompanied by any symptoms, there is no pain. A piece of fatty tissue emerges through the hole between the weakened tendons of the linea alba. The hernial sac is not yet formed. It is almost impossible to establish pathology.
Initial stage. The process of formation of the hernial sac is activated. It is already possible to diagnose pathology in children.
Formed hernia. The stage at which the intestinal loops and internal organs of the abdomen fill the hernial sac. The disease is accompanied by certain symptoms and is easily diagnosed.

Diagnostics
To establish the disease, you need:
Examination and consultation with a surgeon.
Auscultation. A method of listening to sounds produced by the work of internal organs.
Palpation. A diagnostic method by palpating the patient's body. Used to study the condition of organs and tissues.
Blood, urine, stool tests.
Ultrasound examination. Shows the condition of the organs in the hernial sac.
X-ray. Provides information about the position and condition of the abdominal organs and the hernia in general.
Magnetic resonance imaging. Useful for complex pathological processes.

Hernia treatment
If a hernia is detected at an early stage in a newborn child, drug treatment is still possible. Therapy is aimed at pain relief and treatment of inflammation.
This method does not affect the hernia itself, but only eliminates the symptoms. It is effective only when the disease does not develop rapidly. Conservative treatment methods:
physiotherapy;
massage;
special bandage;
reduction of the hernia.

Massage is allowed only from two weeks of age. After eating, make light clockwise movements along the baby's tummy. This will improve blood supply and peristalsis.
Special dressings, adhesive plasters or bandages have a positive effect in the treatment of hernia. They must be used under the supervision of a physician.
If conservative methods of treating pathology in children have failed, surgery remains. It is indicated after 3 years for pain or pinching of the hernial sac. The operation is also performed for large hernias.
Complications and consequences
The most dangerous complication is strangulation of the hernial sac and its contents. In a pinched organ, blood supply is disrupted and cells die. The result of this is inflammation of the abdominal cavity.

For any complications of the pathology, you must immediately call an ambulance
Symptoms that indicate a strangulated hernia:
acute abdominal pain;
vomiting, nausea;
blood in stool;
indigestion;
heat;
the hernia cannot be repaired.

Prevention and diet
The most important thing in prevention is to provide the baby with a balanced diet. It is worth remembering other measures:
do not feed the baby 3 hours before bedtime;
increase calcium intake;
include fermented milk products in the diet;
avoid overfeeding;
strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Hernia of the white line of the abdomen is a disease that is not typical for children. It occurs in 0.7-0.8% of all hernias. In a child, this disease is detected after the age of 5 years, in case of insufficient development of the aponeurosis. The consequence of this condition is the appearance of gaps in the tendon bridges. Pinching occurs in very rare cases.

Causes and forms of pathology

The white line is a tendinous stripe, it is located between the pubic fusion and the xiphoid process. In the upper part of the abdomen it is widened, in the lower part it is narrowed. Accordingly, tendon divergence most often occurs in the upper part. Diastasis - the divergence of tendon fibers - can be up to 10 cm, and there is a high risk of transition to an umbilical hernia.

Hernial orifices can have different shapes:

oval;
rounded;
diamond-shaped

Hernia strangulations more often occur with a narrow gate. Sometimes several hernial protrusions are diagnosed, located one above the other.

The cause of the disease may be:

hereditary pathogenesis;
acquired anatomical weakness of fibrous fibers;
underdevelopment of the tendon plate caused by intrauterine anomalies.

Stages of the disease

The abdominal muscles diverge and become thinner, and holes form among the tendon fibers. With pathology of the tendon plate, there is insufficient collagen production.

The occurrence of a hernia is influenced by the child's excess weight and abdominal trauma. When screaming or prolonged stress, intra-abdominal pressure increases, which also provokes separation of muscle fibers. A prolonged increase in intra-abdominal pressure occurs with whooping cough and bronchitis - during debilitating cough attacks, with constant constipation.

The severity of the disease can be classified into 3 stages.

A preperitoneal lipoma is formed - preperitoneal cells protrude through a slit-shaped opening, which is formed by diverging tendon fibers;
The formation of a hernial sac begins, its contents are a section of the small intestine and part of the omentum;
3. At the third stage, a hernia can form from the lipoma, consisting of a hernial orifice and a hernial sac, which includes, in addition to part of the small intestine and omentum, the transverse colon, and even the wall of the stomach.

At the third stage, the protrusion becomes visible visually and can be palpated without effort. In rare cases, several hernias appear, located on top of each other. In this case, supra-umbilical, umbilical and infra-umbilical hernia are diagnosed simultaneously.

Symptoms of tendon fiber separation

After the diagnosis has been established, treatment for a hernia of the linea alba in children begins. A characteristic sign of the condition is a protrusion in the form of a small lump on the surface of the peritoneum closer to the epigastric region. In this case, additional symptoms arise - heartburn, nausea - which intensify with sudden movements, for example, bending over.

The disease in the first stage may not manifest itself in any way and is detected during a medical examination by a doctor.

However, even the asymptomatic course of the disease is accompanied by the child’s complaints and some signs. The baby often complains of abdominal pain, and after physical exertion he develops diarrhea or constipation. During defecation, constipation causes painful sensations in the epigastrium.

Complications of a hernia – strangulation of the hernial sac.

Signs of the condition are acute pain at the site of the hernia, high fever, vomiting, and bloating. Touching the stomach causes pain, which intensifies during movement.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is necessary to turn to official medicine for abdominal pain of any nature. This advice is especially relevant in the case of young children, because... Their condition worsens very quickly.

A hernia is diagnosed by palpation, during an ultrasound examination, or computed tomography of the abdominal organs.

The following studies may be additionally required:

radiography of the digestive organs - stomach and duodenum;
gastroscopy;
study of the patency of intestinal loops using a contrast agent - herniorrhaphy.

Often, parents begin to look for traditional healers who offer to treat and reduce the hernia manually, hoping that then the operation will not be necessary.

But even special medical bandages do not help prevent further worsening of the condition. It is impossible to wear them all the time, and there is no guarantee that colic in the intestines will not occur the moment the bandage is removed. An increase in intra-abdominal pressure will immediately provoke further protrusion of the intestinal loops.

The only way to get rid of the disease is to remove the protrusion during surgery. If this is not done on time, the child may develop intestinal obstruction or the organs located in the hernial sac may fuse with its walls.

Surgery for hernia of the white line of the abdomen in children

Before surgery, appropriate preparation must be carried out. The child is transferred to a special diet - all dishes that stimulate increased intestinal motility are completely excluded from it. The diet is also changing - now the baby is fed in small portions every 2-3 hours, no more.

You will have to give up your children’s favorite treats: chips, crackers, sweet carbonated drinks, processed foods, chocolate, citrus fruits. Food should be prepared without spices, and the amount of fiber in the diet should be increased through porridges - oatmeal and buckwheat.

It is recommended to include brown rice, asparagus, carrots and fresh cucumbers, and cauliflower in the diet. Meat and fish are only lean, the yolks are removed from eggs, lactic acid products are chosen with a low fat content.

Removal of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen in a child is carried out under general anesthesia. The operation is called hernioplasty.

In the third degree of severity, suturing is most often carried out using artificial materials - synthetic prostheses.

During surgery, the hernial sac is opened, its contents are removed and replaced - if possible - or sutured, but the main goal of surgery is to eliminate diastasis. If this is not done, the disease will recur.

Suturing on the basis of one’s own tissue is rarely carried out - in this case, the aponeurosis defect is sutured with a special non-absorbable suture material. But there is a risk of repeated bulging of the problem area when intra-abdominal pressure increases - the stitches may erupt.

In order not to expose the child to danger - repeated surgery - a mesh frame is installed. The design distributes the load evenly across the seams and closes the diastasis. Subsequently, the connective tissue grows, and the risk of relapse is minimized. The operation is considered simple, and you can get back on your feet the next day. But you should not take the baby home - it is advisable that the patient be under the supervision of a doctor for 48 hours, no less.

The rehabilitation process requires adherence to a diet - it is not much different from the diet
which was necessary during preoperative preparation. Portions gradually increase, the time between meals lengthens. Dishes that irritate the intestines are still excluded from the diet, but emphasis should be placed on liquid foods or jelly-like dishes.

Hernia of the white line of the abdomen is one of the rare pathologies in children.

The risk of developing the disease increases after five years, but in most cases the disease occurs in adult patients.

The pathology causes suffering to the child and cannot develop asymptomatically.

general information

Hernia of the white line of the abdomen in children - photo:

The linea alba represents vertical muscle strip, starting at the xiphoid process of the sternum and passing through the umbilical region. It ends at the pubic symphysis (pelvic part).

The width of the tendon layer is on average 2-3 mm, and its widest part reaches 20 mm. A hernia of the linea alba develops when the tendon bundles diverge at the level of the navel.

In the area of such formations occurs protrusion of the omentum and intestinal loops. The width of the lumen can reach several centimeters.

Stages development of hernia of the white line of the abdomen:

formation of preperitoneal lipoma;
transformation of lipoma into a hernial sac;
formation of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen.

Reasons for appearance

The development of a hernia of the linea alba in infants and older children can be provoked by congenital characteristics or the influence of certain external factors.

U newborns In children, the pathology is caused by constant and severe crying, overeating or constant stress on the abdominal area (for example, when coughing as a result of chronic bronchitis).

With age, the number of provoking factors increases.

Factors related to reasons for the development of pathology:

genetic weakness of fibrous fibers;
congenital defects of the abdominal wall;
underdevelopment of the broad tendon plate;
accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
regular overeating;
abdominal injuries;
development of obesity;
consequences of surgery;
regular accumulation of gases and constipation;
constant increase in intra-abdominal pressure.

Symptoms, clinical picture

The symptoms of hernia of the white line of the abdomen in children depend on the stage of development of the pathology. At the first stage, the disease occurs in the form protrusion of muscles in the umbilical region.

When the child relaxes his stomach or is in a horizontal position, the signs of a hernia become invisible.

In the presence of complications, the protrusion remains in a permanent form and accompanied by pain. Symptoms of the pathology manifest themselves in the following conditions:

Possible complications and consequences

An advanced form of hernia of the white line of the abdomen can cause severe incarceration or necrosis certain internal organs.

Compression of the intestine or omentum impairs blood circulation, resulting in a risk of developing peritonitis.

If this pathology is detected in a child, it is necessary carry out therapy as soon as possible disease or undergo surgery.

A hernia of the linea alba can cause the following: complications:

rupture of an internal organ damaged by a hernia;
development of peritonitis;
intestinal obstruction;
development of an inflammatory process or suppuration.

Why is a hematoma on the head of a newborn after childbirth dangerous? find out right now.

Diagnostics

A doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen based on visual examination of the child and palpation certain areas of the abdominal cavity.

To confirm the pathology, additional examinations and consultations with specialized specialists are prescribed.

Based on the collected data, a course of treatment is drawn up or a referral for surgery is given.

Methods for diagnosing the disease are the following procedures:

palpation of the area of the white line of the abdomen;
general blood and urine analysis;
EGDS;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
MRI of the abdominal organs;
X-ray of the stomach and duodenum;
computed tomography of the abdominal organs;
herniorrhaphy;
gastroscopy.

Prevention

The main measure to prevent a hernia of the linea alba in children is to follow a diet and avoid exposure to negative factors. In a newborn or infant, the abdominal muscles characterized by weakness.

Persistent cough or crying have an extremely negative impact on them.

Any sprain or injury can trigger the formation of a lipoma, which gradually turns into a hernia.

The following help prevent the development of pathology: recommendations:

exclusion of excess weight in the child;
preventing constipation;
avoiding fasting and overeating;
strengthening the abdominal muscles with a set of special physical exercises.

If there is a suspicion of the development of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen in a child, it is necessary consult a doctor as soon as possible. An alarming signal is the appearance of muscle protrusion in the umbilical region. This symptom can be a sign not only of a hernia, but also of other serious pathologies.

Interview with the professor, head of the department of pediatric surgery, in this video:

We kindly ask you not to self-medicate. Make an appointment with a doctor!

Currently, the most common surgical problem in children is hernia. These are defects in the development of the abdominal walls, into which the abdominal organs (intestinal loops, bladder) or the intestinal fixing apparatus - the omentum - protrude. A hernia can be caused by many causes and factors that contribute to the onset and progression of this pathological condition. In order not to be afraid of this obscure illness and to be ready to get rid of it, it is recommended that you first prepare yourself informationally for the fight.

Reasons for development and structure

A hernia consists of a hernial sac, hernial contents and a hernial orifice, into which the sac with its contents prolapses. The most common cause of hernias is considered to be a hereditary predisposition.

information It is important to note that boys suffer from this disease much more often than girls.

Classification of hernias

Hernias are classified:

By localization (that is, the place of its origin):
- diaphragmatic;
- intervertebral;
- femoral;
- hernia of the white line of the abdomen;
- ventral postoperative hernia.
Size.
The degree of its safety (meaning that sliding, reducible hernias are defects that require routine treatment, and strangulated hernias require immediate surgical correction).

Umbilical hernia

Most often it makes itself felt in the earliest period of a child’s development - neonatal or in the first months of life, when the umbilical remnant falls off and the wound heals. Most often it is formed due to the anatomical weakness of the umbilical ring, its incompetence. In addition to genetic predisposition, the causes of this type of hernia include:

unsuccessful umbilical cord ligation;
catheterization of the umbilical vein for health reasons;
intestinal hyperpneumatosis (excessive gas formation);
increased intra-abdominal pressure;
diseases that reduce muscle tone (rickets, malnutrition, asthenia).

An umbilical hernia quite often protrudes when the child is restless, crying, straining, or constipated, but it is easily reducible and is very rarely strangulated. Clinically, it appears as a round or oval protrusion in the umbilical area with or without divergence of the rectus abdominis muscles. It can be of completely different sizes, and they can also increase or decrease. Many parents often perceive such an anatomical feature as a protruding navel as a hernia, but this is not true. But in any case, it is worth consulting with a pediatrician and pediatric surgeon regarding issues of concern.

information According to the experience of specialists from all over the world, we can say with confidence that in most cases this disease heals itself. In some children this occurs by the age of 1-2 years, in some it lasts until primary school age.

Hernia elimination is facilitated by:

early placement of the baby on the tummy, when the abdominal wall is strengthened;
physiotherapy;
gymnastics;
massage.

Surgical correction is indicated in cases of strangulation or large defect sizes. In a planned manner, operations are usually indicated from the age of five; operations are rarely accompanied by complications or relapses of the disease.

Inguinal hernia

This is also a common type of hernia and occurs much more often in boys; it practically never occurs in girls.

The causes may also be:

heredity;
features of the anatomy of the groin area;
weakness of the abdominal muscles;
non-fusion of the peritoneal process, which forms the inguinal canal.

It is a protrusion in the area of the inguinal canal; its hernial sac may also contain an omentum, loops of intestine, bladder wall, ovary (in girls) or spermatic cord (in boys). This type of hernia is strangulated more often than the previous one and requires emergency surgery.

dangerous An inguinal hernia in girls threatens necrosis (death) of the ovary, so it is extremely important to consult a surgeon if this occurs.

As planned, hernia repair begins when the child reaches 1 year of age or weighs at least 10 kg, when he is ready to adequately tolerate anesthesia. Modern surgery will provide the baby with a gentle operation, minimal blood loss and high-quality cosmetic stitches. Complications and relapses occur only if the doctor’s recommendations are not followed.

Hernia of the white line of the abdomen

The linea alba is an anatomical formation that is located vertically from the xiphoid process of the sternum to the pubic joint and is a connective tissue formation that connects the rectus abdominis muscles. In its structure there are several jumpers, if they diverge, a hernia is formed. Most often, they form just above the navel in fairly well-fed children with increased intra-abdominal pressure. The contents are a protective layer of adipose tissue in front of the outer layer of the peritoneum. Infringement of it threatens tissue necrosis. Treatment is only surgical, both planned and urgent.

Diaphragmatic hernia

This is the most dangerous type of hernia. It is rare, most often in combination with multiple malformations. The mortality rate for this type of hernia is high.

information A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the membrane between the chest and abdominal cavities fails, as a result of which the abdominal organs are displaced into the chest and compress the lungs, causing them to collapse and increase pressure in the pulmonary artery, displacement and compression of the heart.

Usually the disease is diagnosed on the first day of a child’s life and is operated on urgently. The recovery period after successful completion of the operation is usually long and requires long-term drug therapy, artificial ventilation, and parenteral nutrition (nutrient solutions in the form of intravenous infusions).

Symptoms

Symptoms of strangulation of any of the hernias (except diaphragmatic) are:

Pain in the area of the protrusion, aggravated by pressure.
Increased body temperature, feeling of chills, weakness.
Change in skin color over the affected area from bright pink to purple-bluish.
Inability to reduce the hernia back into the abdominal cavity.
Feelings of tingling or bursting in the hernia.

important In this case, you should urgently seek help from a doctor. The sooner the child receives medical care, the less likely there are complications. Self-medication and traditional methods are a stupid waste of precious time.

Features of the postoperative period and consequences

After hernia repair and repair, relapses are possible if you do not adhere to the doctor’s strict recommendations, so the child needs to create the most comfortable conditions for recovery and rehabilitation. It is important to adhere to a diet, limit physical activity that can cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, engage in physical therapy with the baby during the recovery period, and undergo a course of restorative massage. Caring for the baby, patience, love and understanding will help solve the problem of hernia recurrence and make the little person’s childhood happy and joyful.

The child’s body is formed in accordance with a certain schedule. The imperfection of some systems can cause the formation of certain diseases. In particular, in the presence of favorable conditions for this, against the background of weakness of the muscle layer, the likelihood of a hernia in the area of the white line of the abdomen increases. This manifests itself in the form of a protrusion of the sac on the front wall. Treatment for the disease is only surgical followed by rehabilitation.

A hernia of the linea alba can develop in both adults and children

The anterior wall is not represented by one continuous layer of muscles. In the middle there is a tendon strip, extending from the xiphoid process and passing to the pubic fusion. In its upper part it is wider than in the lower part. That is why if a hernia of the linea alba appears in children, it is in its upper section.

The shape of the defect may differ in each specific case. There are round, diamond-shaped, oval shapes, and the narrower the entrance, the higher the likelihood of pinching. This can only be determined if the child’s hernia of the linea alba is reducible. In such a situation, it is possible to straighten it in a lying position and palpate the edges of the gate.

Important: hernia of the white line of the abdomen in newborns occurs extremely rarely and occurs only in 0.8% of all cases of detection of hernias of various types.

A hernia can take different shapes

Unlike an umbilical hernia, this form most often forms after five years of age if the aponeurosis is not fully formed. This causes gaps to appear in the tendons. An important difference is that such hernias are strangulated very rarely. As a rule, there is only one defect, while in some cases 2-3 hernias form along the line at once.

How does the disease manifest itself?

It is quite simple to determine the pathology - the hernial sac is clearly visible on the child’s abdomen. This is often accompanied by pain similar to that of gastritis. A bright clinic occurs only when a hernia is strangulated. This is accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, hyperthermia, severe weakness and symptoms of peritoneal irritation. In such a situation, it is almost impossible to reduce the hernia inside, and any touch causes pain. At the same time, it is important to remember that sometimes such formations occur without any clinic and the disease is detected only during a preventive examination.

Uncharacteristic symptoms include stool disturbances, loss of appetite, and belching. Children note a deterioration in their condition after increased stress and sudden movements. The baby will behave restlessly, the protrusion becomes noticeable after prolonged crying or coughing.

A hernia can be suspected if pain occurs during palpation

Considering that the line continues to the pubic bone, a hernia can form anywhere. In this regard, the following types are distinguished:

supra-umbilical;
subumbilical;
peri-umbilical.

In addition, the stage of development of the pathology is also important. In total, there are three stages, each of which has its own characteristics of the course:

formation of preperitoneal lipoma - at this stage there is protrusion of the fat layer;
initial stage - a hernial sac is formed, under conditions of increased pressure, internal organs fall into it;
formed hernia - muscle divergence is observed, individual elements of the internal organs are palpated in the sac.

A hernia does not form immediately, passing through various stages

Methods for diagnosing the disease

As in any other case, only after a full diagnosis is the issue of treatment methods decided. In this case, any suspicion of pathology should be the reason for referring the child to a surgeon.

Important: inspection, palpation and other examination methods are performed both in a lying and standing position, that is, with relaxed and tense abdominal muscles.

Mandatory during the diagnosis are:

thorough examination of the patient;
collecting anamnesis from birth and the characteristics of the mother’s pregnancy;
palpation of the abdomen and auscultation of the hernial sac;

A blood test may be required to confirm the diagnosis

ultrasonography;
gastroscopy to assess the condition of the stomach and duodenum;
in difficult cases, MRI may be prescribed;
blood and urine tests.

When examining a child, it is important to exclude diseases with similar symptoms, but differing in the method of treatment. These include cholecystitis, pancreatitis, ulcers, metastases, and so on.

Treatment options

After the final diagnosis is made, the question of treatment methods is decided. The only effective way is surgery. It is important to remember that using a bandage or adhesive plasters in parallel with massage only helps to slow down the development of a hernia. It cannot be cured using these methods. Therefore, only surgery can completely eliminate the complications of this disease.

Surgery is often used to eliminate a hernia.

If the child has severe pathologies, infections in the acute period, and also if the hernia cannot be reduced, the operation is not performed. In such a situation, a bandage is used, which is selected individually.

If no contraindications are identified, hernioplasty is used. As a rule, in children it is performed under general anesthesia. The technique depends on the age of the child, the shape of the hernia, its size and other factors. There are two main techniques:

A technique that involves tightening your own tissues. It is used provided that the size of the hernia is small. The defect along the white line is sutured with catgut sutures. The disadvantage is that under increased loads the sutures may fail and a recurrence of the hernia may occur.
The use of an endoprosthesis is recommended in the presence of medium-sized hernias. In this case, the most modern materials are used, which significantly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome of the operation. With this technique, relapse does not occur.

The choice of hernioplasty technique is made individually

It would be useful to highlight the advantages of methods using endoprostheses:

When using plates, your own tissues are displaced less, which explains less severe pain in the postoperative period.
Due to minimal trauma, the child can get up a day after the operation, and if his condition is satisfactory, he can be discharged. After such an intervention, children stay in the hospital for a maximum of three days.
As already mentioned, tension tactics can lead to relapse. If plates are used, only in extremely rare cases, if conditions are present, can a hernia form again.

The use of an endoprosthesis has a number of advantages

Nutritional Features

Immediately after the operation, the doctor must prescribe a certain diet for the small patient. Preference is given to vegetables, fruits, cereals and juices. At the same time, all products must be thermally processed, which will avoid increased gas formation. To speed up the recovery period, it is recommended to take a course of vitamin therapy. B vitamins and ascorbic acid will be required.

In addition, it is important to do some preparation for surgery, which will have a positive effect on the recovery period. For several days before the planned operation, it is recommended to switch the child to a gentle diet. It should consist of vegetables, cereals, fish, protein, and low-fat cheese. Hot spices, fats and spices are completely excluded.

The child’s diet after surgery should contain many healthy fruits and vitamins.

Why is a hernia dangerous?

Some parents believe that the operation, especially if performed under general anesthesia, can be much more dangerous than the hernia itself. But it is important to remember that there is always a risk of infringement. In such a situation, emergency surgical treatment has to be performed, and it has its own risks. Moreover, the sooner the operation is performed, the lower the likelihood of complications. Therefore, if you experience complaints such as nausea, abdominal pain, or the appearance of blood in your stool, you should immediately consult a doctor.

It is also worth highlighting such complications of the pathology as a guided hernia, when its walls become fused with the tissues. Tissue injuries, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory processes, and so on cannot be excluded.

How to prevent a hernia

Preventive measures should begin immediately after the birth of the baby. First of all, it is important to ensure normal bowel function. To do this, select a diet that eliminates the formation of constipation and increased gas formation. In addition, overeating should not be allowed.

Keeping your baby's digestive system healthy will reduce the chance of developing a hernia.

After a child reaches three years of age, it is important to regularly perform basic exercises with him, aimed at strengthening the abdominal tissues. Hardening has an excellent effect, but it should be started gradually. Every year it is important to take your baby to the doctor for a preventive examination.

If a child has already been diagnosed with a hernia, physical activity and heavy lifting should be completely avoided, as this all leads to an increase in the size of the defect. If there are temporary contraindications, for example, a weakened immune system, an infectious process, you should choose a bandage and wear it throughout the day. After stabilization of the condition, a planned one is prescribed.

What is a hernia of the white line of the abdomen - about this in the video: