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Paediatric hernia
- No.1 - the only private hospital in the UK for women and children
- More than 40,000 babies and children cared for every year
- 9 level 3 intensive care beds for the highest level of care
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Paediatric hernia at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At The Portland Hospital – the UK’s only private hospital dedicated to the care of women and children – our leading paediatric surgeons are highly experienced in hernia treatment for children. We use advanced techniques combined with a caring, patient-focused approach to ensure effective, comfortable care and a smooth recovery.
Your child will have the expertise of a whole team – one that understands the unique needs of young patients and will work closely with you to provide clear information and reassurance throughout your child’s time with us.
Your child will have the expertise of a whole team – one that understands the unique needs of young patients and will work closely with you to provide clear information and reassurance throughout your child’s time with us.
A hernia happens when a small opening or weakness in the abdominal wall allows tissue, such as loops of intestine, to push through. In boys, this can cause a bulge near the groin or scrotum. In girls, this will be near the groin or labia. Usually, the swelling comes and goes.
Most inguinal hernias show as a soft lump in the groin area. Sometimes, if the hernia becomes trapped, it can cause a painful, hard lump, with symptoms including vomiting.
In rare cases, a hernia can become strangulated. This is where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. This is serious and needs urgent medical attention. Signs include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Constipation
- A hernia lump that doesn’t reduce when your child lies down
- A hernia that looks red, purple or discoloured
If your child has any of these symptoms, please seek emergency care immediately, as urgent surgery may be necessary.
Yes, there are. The most common of those to affect children are:
Inguinal hernia
This type occurs at the inguinal canal – a passage in the lower abdomen. In boys, this canal lets blood vessels reach the testicles. In girls, it connects the abdomen to the labia. Normally, this canal closes soon after birth. If it stays open, organs can push through, causing a hernia. Inguinal hernias are more common in boys and may develop on both sides over time.
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia causes a bulge near the belly button (umbilicus). The abdominal wall has several layers that protect the organs inside, but where the umbilical cord was attached, there can be a weak spot. This allows tissue to push through, creating a hernia.
Our experienced paediatric surgeons are experts in both laparoscopic (keyhole), and open surgical options and will discuss your child’s treatment with you, to arrive at a plan tailored to their specific needs that you can both feel comfortable with.
You can find out more about the treatments we offer here.
You can find out more about the treatments we offer here.
If we think that surgery is the best option for your child, our pre-assessment nurses will contact you to review your child’s health and explain the process. We’ll provide clear information and answer any questions you have. You’ll have the chance to visit our day-case ward beforehand, and our play therapists can help prepare your child to feel calm and confident.
Most surgeries are done as day cases, so your child can go home a few hours after waking up, once they’re alert, eating, drinking, and comfortable. Babies may stay overnight for observation.
Recovery is usually quick. Children often return to school within 5-7 days and can resume normal activities as soon as they feel ready.
No. 1
The only UK private hospital dedicated to treating women and children
40,000+
babies, children and young people cared for each year
9
level 3 intensive care beds for the highest levels of care
Fast access to specialists
Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Treatments for complex conditions
We focus our breadth of expertise on your child
Worried about your child, but not sure what to do?
Get in touch and book a same or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral and need to book?
Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
Talk to a specialist and get the answers you've been looking for.
Paediatric hernia tests and scans
State-of-the-art diagnosis
We’ll begin your child’s diagnosis with a gentle, thorough physical examination to identify any hernia, your doctor may ask your child to stand or cough during the check, which makes this easier.
To ensure we fully understand your child’s condition, we may also refer your child for advanced imaging tests. These state-of-the-art diagnostic tools help us provide an accurate diagnosis quickly, so we can tailor a treatment plan that’s right for your child, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. Those tests include:
To ensure we fully understand your child’s condition, we may also refer your child for advanced imaging tests. These state-of-the-art diagnostic tools help us provide an accurate diagnosis quickly, so we can tailor a treatment plan that’s right for your child, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. Those tests include:
Paediatric hernia treatments at HCA UK
Expert treatment, personalised care
Your child’s hernia treatment will be overseen by a multidisciplinary team of specialist paediatric surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses – all working together in our dedicated children’s hospital, The Portland.
Our ability to provide you with a prompt diagnosis and a quick referral to treatment helps to reduce risks and ensure a speedy recovery. And while your child’s in our care, we’ll give them the expert, compassionate support they – and you – need, at every stage.
Most hernias are repaired through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, or traditional open herniotomy, with the approach tailored to your child’s individual needs. The procedures we offer include:
- Laparoscopic hernia repair (minimally invasive)
- Umbilical hernia repair
- Inguinal hernia repair
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Paediatric hernia FAQs
Hernias in children often appear as a noticeable lump that may come and go, especially when they’re straining or crying. Among the most common symptoms are:
- A bulge in the groin or belly button
- Swelling that becomes more noticeable when standing or crying
- Discomfort or pain in the same area
- Vomiting or irritability (if the hernia is trapped)
Most paediatric hernias are congenital, meaning they’re present from birth. Inguinal hernias often become noticeable over time in newborns or infants, particularly boys and premature babies.
Umbilical hernias may appear in the first few weeks of life and will usually close by the time the child is 3 or 4 years old. If a hernia persists, or if it becomes painful, then you should seek professional advice as it may require medical attention or surgical treatment. You can book an appointment with one of our private GPs here.
Paediatric hernias can require surgery, but not always. Umbilical hernias often resolve without surgery by the time a child is 3-4 years old. Inguinal hernias, however, are less likely to close on their own and usually require a simple surgical repair.
Your consultant will assess your child’s condition and talk to you about whether monitoring or surgery would be the best course of action.
Recovery from paediatric hernia surgery is usually quick. Most children go home the same day and can return to school or nursery within 5-7 days. Full healing typically takes 1–2 weeks, and children can resume normal activities as soon as they feel comfortable. Babies under 3 months may stay overnight for observation following anaesthesia.
While paediatric hernia repair is a common and low-risk procedure, all surgeries carry some risk. Potential complications are very rare, but can include:
- Infection at the incision site
- Bleeding
- Reaction to anaesthesia
- Recurrence of the hernia (rare)
- Damage to nearby structures (very rare)
Most hernias in children are not preventable as they’re caused by a natural opening that hasn’t closed after birth. These congenital hernias occur during development and are not the result of lifting, activity, or parenting choices.
While prevention isn’t possible, early diagnosis and timely treatment can help avoid complications like incarceration or strangulation.
Seek urgent medical care if your child has signs of a strangulated hernia. Symptoms may include:
- A hard, painful lump that doesn’t go away
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Discoloured skin over the hernia (dark – often red or purple)
- Constipation or a loss of appetite in your child
These signs may indicate that blood flow to the intestine is blocked. If that is the case, immediate surgery is needed.
It’s important to look for a consultant who specialises in paediatric hernia surgery. If they work within a multidisciplinary team that will indicate a good level of expertise in associated areas as well, allowing for good and wide-ranging care.
At HCA UK, our surgeons operate at The Portland Hospital, the UK’s only private hospital dedicated to the care of women and children. Here they’re supported by a team of experts including anaesthetists, nurses, and play specialists. Choosing a team experienced in treating children helps to ensure safer procedures, better outcomes, and a smoother recovery journey.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.