Congenital inguinal hernia and hydrocele are two common conditions in infants and children that often require surgical correction. Though they may seem minor at first, both can lead to child fever, foul-smelling urine, bedwetting, or even pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) if not properly treated.
What Is Congenital Inguinal Hernia and Hydrocele?
- Inguinal hernia occurs when a section of the intestine or abdominal content pushes into the groin due to a weakness in the abdominal wall.
- Hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle in the scrotum, typically caused by the same developmental issue — the failure of the processus vaginalis to close.
- These conditions often become noticeable as swelling in the groin or scrotum, especially when the child cries or strains.
Symptoms to Look Out For
- Swelling in the groin or scrotum, soft and sometimes painless
- Swelling that increases with crying, coughing, or straining
- Swelling that may reduce or disappear when the child is lying down
- Irritability or discomfort, especially in infants
- Accompanying signs like:
- Child bedwetting or daytime wetting
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Foul-smelling urine
- Child fever or UTI symptoms
Commonly Associated Conditions
If left untreated, hernias and hydroceles can lead to:
- Pediatric UTI (urinary tract infection)
- Kidney infection in children (pyelonephritis)
- Pediatric kidney stones / child nephrolithiasis
- Urinary incontinence in children
- Dysfunctional voiding or behavioral issues related to urination
Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Physical examination by a pediatric urologist
- Ultrasound imaging to confirm the presence and type of swelling
- Urinalysis if there are urinary symptoms like foul-smelling urine or painful urination
- Uroflowmetry or bladder scans in case of suspected dysfunctional voiding or child urinary incontinence
Treatment Options
Surgical Management
The gold standard for both conditions is pediatric urology surgery, which is:
- Minimally invasive and safe
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Involves repairing the hernia sac and draining hydrocele fluid
- Usually completed as a day-care procedure
Postoperative Care
- Recovery time: usually within 7 to 10 days
- Pain management with safe medications
- Avoid strenuous activity temporarily
- Monitor for signs of infection or recurrence
- Ideal for clinics also experienced in hypospadias repair surgery recovery
When to Seek Help?
Seek a pediatric urologist in Nagpur if your child has:
- Visible groin or scrotal swelling
- Persistent bedwetting or daytime wetting
- Foul-smelling urine
- Child fever with urinary complaints
- History of pediatric nephrolithiasis or recurrent UTIs
Why Choose a Pediatric Urology Clinic?
A specialized pediatric urology clinic ensures:
- Child-friendly environment and staff
- Access to pediatric imaging and diagnostics
- Expertise in both medical and surgical aspects of urinary conditions
- Coordinated care between pediatric urology and nephrology
- Supportive treatment for related conditions such as:
- Pediatric kidney stones
- Painful urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Behavioral therapy for bedwetting
Congenital inguinal hernia and hydrocele may seem harmless at first, but they can evolve into serious urological issues if not treated early. Timely diagnosis, expert intervention, and post-operative care are key to ensuring long-term health and comfort for the child.
With leading specialists like Dr. Sadashiv Bhole and comprehensive pediatric care facilities available in Nagpur, your child is in safe hands. If you’re concerned about your child’s urinary health whether it’s bedwetting, foul-smelling urine, incontinence, or visible swelling don’t wait. Visit a trusted pediatric urology clinic today.
