Hernia in Children: Signs & Surgery in Raipur

Dr. Tanmay Motiwala
Pediatric Surgeon, Raipur · Updated 30 Sep 2026 · 4 min read

You are changing your baby’s diaper or giving your toddler a bath. Then you notice it — a soft lump near the groin or the belly button that was not there before. It might go away when your child lies down and come back when they cry or strain. It may be a hernia, and hernia in children is common. But you are not sure whether to panic or ignore it.

The short answer: do not panic, but do not ignore it either. Hernias in children are more common than most parents think.

What is a hernia in children?

A hernia happens when part of the bowel or other tissue pushes through a weak spot in the tummy wall. In children, this happens most often in two places:

Inguinal hernia (groin area): This is the most common type in children, especially boys. It shows as a bulge in the groin or scrotum. It is also more common in babies born early (premature).

Umbilical hernia (belly button): A soft bulge at the belly button. It is very common in newborns and often closes on its own by age 4–5.

Signs of hernia in children

Look for these signs:

A soft lump or swelling near the groin, scrotum, or belly button
The swelling gets bigger when your child cries, coughs, or strains
It disappears or gets smaller when your child is quiet or lying down
No pain most of the time — though the child may be fussy

When is hernia in children an emergency?

This is the most important thing to know. Sometimes you cannot push the hernia back in. It becomes “stuck” (incarcerated). This is a surgical emergency. Watch for these signs:

The lump suddenly becomes hard, painful to touch, or does not go back in
Your child is in clear pain or cannot stop crying
Your child starts vomiting
The skin over the swelling turns red or dark

If you see these signs, go to the emergency room right away. Do not wait.

Does every hernia need surgery?

For groin (inguinal) hernias in children, yes. We advise surgery as soon as possible after diagnosis. This is because inguinal hernias do not close on their own, unlike belly button hernias in babies. The risk of the hernia getting trapped (incarceration) is highest in the first year of life. It is around 30% in babies under 6 months.

For belly button (umbilical) hernias, it is fine to watch and wait until age 4. We consider surgery if it stays after that, or if it is large (greater than 1.5 cm).

Is hernia surgery safe for children?

Yes. Hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries in children. A pediatric surgeon has special training in how children’s bodies are built and how they work. When a pediatric surgeon does it, it is a day-care procedure (your child goes home the same day). The success rate is very high, and problems are rare.

At our centre in Raipur, we repair hernia in children with keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). This means:

Tiny cuts (3–5 mm)
Faster healing
Less pain after the operation
Smaller, neater scars

What to do if you suspect a hernia

Take a photo or video of the swelling when you can see it. It helps the surgeon
See a pediatric surgeon (not a general surgeon) to find out for sure
Do not try to push it back yourself if it’s painful or stuck

Watch: Dr. Tanmay Motiwala explains Inguinal Hernia in children (Hindi)

Dr. Tanmay Motiwala sees patients in Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Rajim. If you’ve noticed a swelling in your child’s groin or belly button, book an appointment at +91 8319084711.

📋 This article is part of Dr. Motiwala’s Pediatric General & Abdominal Surgery in Raipur services — see the full range of conditions treated, what to expect, and when to see a pediatric surgeon.

My Child Has a Swelling Near the Groin — Could It Be a Hernia?