[MomToDom]

I'm sure a hernia doesn't really qualify as special needs, but I thought some of you ladies might have experience with this. I'm new to hernias so forgive me if I ask dumb questions.

We just found out yesterday that our 2 year old son has a non-reducible umbilical hernia. He has an ultrasound Monday to see exactly what is going on with it but I wanted to ask you all some questions. (The doc also wanted to make 100% sure it is a hernia.)

Do these always require surgery? I know the reducible ones normally aren't surgically repaired until the child is 5ish, but if what I am understanding is correct from my interrnet research, non-reducibles do need repairing because they can damage the intestine and could possibly become strangulated hernias, correct?

What exactly will they be looking for with the ultrasound?

Any info you all can give me about your experiences with these will be wonderful. Thank you!

[i3ai3ydanny]

I have never had experience with these but this is one thing I found...

Hernia (umbilical or inguinal) - Clinical Health Topics - Children's Hospital Boston

It sounds like the "non-reducible" status is the concern. The intestine could be traumatized, lose blood supply, or cause other problems if it is trapped for certain reasons or under certain conditions. That is what they will check for on the ultrasound. As far as what to look for...I have no idea... I hope this link helps though.

[MomToDom]

Thanks for your reply & the link.

Apparently non-reducible umbilical hernias don't happen much in children. Read one site that said only 1 in 1500 umbilical hernias in kids are non-reducible. My son's ped has never even personally seen a non-reducible, he said. Guess we'll just have to wait & see what the ultrasound shows. Waiting is the worst!

[i3ai3ydanny]

Waiting is definitely the worst. The site said that it is usually outpatient if it does have to be surgically reduced so at least it should be relatively simple. ((((HUGS))))

[KidneyMom]

We have had hernia repair surgery. I can't imagine them WAITING if it is non reducible! That can cause permanent damage to the childs intestines to where it cuts the blood flow off if it is not fixed in time. My son had his surgery done and it took about an hour and his incision is only about 1 inch long...not bad at all, and he felt so much better once it was repaired.

[LucyLoved]

I had 2 inguinal hernias as a child (at separate times). Rest assured that it is a simple surgery and your son will be fine as long as it is taken care of quickly

[mamma_anna]

First of all, Hi and welcome! I'm glad you're here and you are welcome to post here any time. No such thing as a dumb question around here.

My oldest daughter Meagan had hernia surgery as a toddler. She was back to her normal, happy, energetic self within a couple days. I don't remember much of the details because it was so long ago but she doesn't remember it at all and is perfectly healthy now.

Good luck with everything. I hope it all goes smoothly for you and your little one.