Hernias

A hernia is a result of a weakened abdominal wall that tears open due to improper healing. Once the there is a hole in the abdominal wall there is risk for organs to protrude out. At the children's hospital the most common hernia is the umbilical hernia, when the umbilical does not heal properly. It has a high prevalence in black children and therefore a hernia reduction is the most common surgery conducted here. Most hernias can resolve themselves at about one year of age, surgical ones are larger or have not been resolved on their own. If not it could potentially become irreducible. Therefore it is imperative that parents bring their children to make sure they do not have a hernia.

Surgery to reduce a hernia is relatively low-risk and around an hour or less on the table. Typically the surgeon dissects their way through the tissue until the hernia is visible and a mesh is sutured in to reinforce the tissue so there is less risk for another hernia. The mesh, however, is not necessary and the surgeons here choose to not use it since it would cost extra for the family and many cases here, parents cannot afford to pay hospital bills.