Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the age of children having surgery to repair umbilical hernias in different regions of the US, and how this affected the cost and follow-up care. Umbilical hernias are a common condition where the belly button bulges out due to a weakness in the abdominal muscles. The study used data from insurance claims made by employers between 2012 and 2015.

The study found that out of 5,212 children, almost 10% of the surgeries were done on children younger than 2 years old, but this varied quite a bit depending on the region (from 6% to 14%). The average cost of the surgery was also higher for children under 2 years old ($8,219) compared to older children ($6,137). Younger children were also more likely to be admitted to the hospital after surgery and to visit the emergency department.

In conclusion, the study found that umbilical hernia repairs are still often done at early ages, despite higher costs and more frequent hospital visits after surgery. The age at which the surgery is performed also varies quite a bit depending on the region.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of this research paper on pediatric hernia repair?
  2. How does the age of children undergoing umbilical hernia surgery affect the cost and follow-up care?
  3. Did the study find any regional variations in the age of children undergoing umbilical hernia repairs?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about pediatric hernia repair is to consider waiting until the child is older before undergoing surgery, as younger children may have higher costs and require more follow-up care. It is important to discuss the timing of the surgery with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.

Suitable For

Pediatric hernia repair is typically recommended for children with umbilical hernias, which are common in infants and young children. In particular, children under the age of 2 years old are often recommended for surgery to repair umbilical hernias. This is because younger children may be at a higher risk for complications such as obstruction or incarceration of the hernia, which can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

Additionally, children who experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, or discoloration at the site of the hernia may also be recommended for surgical repair. In some cases, pediatric hernia repair may be recommended for older children or adolescents if the hernia is causing discomfort or if it is at risk of becoming incarcerated.

Overall, the decision to recommend pediatric hernia repair is based on the individual child’s age, symptoms, and risk factors, as well as the recommendation of a healthcare provider. It is important for parents to consult with a pediatric surgeon or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their child.

Timeline

Before pediatric hernia repair:

  1. Child exhibits symptoms of an umbilical hernia, such as a bulge near the belly button.
  2. Child is diagnosed with an umbilical hernia through physical examination by a healthcare provider.
  3. Surgery is recommended by the healthcare provider to repair the hernia.

After pediatric hernia repair:

  1. Child undergoes surgery to repair the umbilical hernia.
  2. Child may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  3. Child may be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort.
  4. Child may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a period of time to allow for proper healing.
  5. Child may have follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor the healing process and ensure there are no complications.
  6. Child may need to visit the emergency department if there are any concerns or complications post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of pediatric hernia repair surgery for my child?
  2. What is the recommended age for my child to undergo hernia repair surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used for the surgery and are there any potential risks associated with it?
  4. What is the expected recovery time for my child after the surgery?
  5. Will my child need any follow-up appointments or additional care after the surgery?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with pediatric hernia repair surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of pediatric hernia repair surgery in children?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions my child will need to follow after the surgery?
  9. How can I best prepare my child for the surgery and recovery process?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for pediatric hernias that we should consider?

Reference

Authors: Kohler JE, Cartmill RS, Yang DY, Fernandes-Taylor S, Greenberg CC. Journal: J Pediatr. 2020 Nov;226:236-239. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.07.008. Epub 2020 Jul 3. PMID: 32629008