Question
A five-month-old male infant was diagnosed with a hernia at one month of age. The hernia content has been continuously present in the scrotum, only returning to the abdominal cavity after manual pushing, and descending again with exertion. The parents inquire, under such circumstances, when is the optimal time for surgery?
Answer
Generally, hernias should be prioritized for surgical repair. There is no specific age limit for surgery, and it is recommended to undergo surgery as soon as possible to prevent the risk of incarceration hernias. Especially in cases of pediatric hernias, more emphasis should be placed on the fact that hernia correctors cannot completely prevent potentially fatal complications (such as incarcerated intestinal obstruction), and long-term use may lead to skin ulcers, even causing testicular discomfort and atrophy. Cross-examination shows that the hernia content has not incarcerated in the scrotum but cannot return to the abdominal cavity on its own, only after manual pushing. This situation indeed poses a risk,