Inguinal Hernia Repair- Pediatric Surgery

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Inguinal hernia surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in infants and children.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal. This can form a bulge in the groin or scrotum, which can be painful.

There are two types of inguinal hernias, direct inguinal hernia and indirect inguinal hernia.

A direct inguinal hernia penetrates directly through the wall of the inguinal canal.

An indirect inguinal hernia enters the inguinal canal through the top. This usually occurs because of a birth defect, when the opening of a fetus’s canal doesn’t close all the way during development in the uterus. The inguinal canal extends from a child’s abdomen to their genitals.

Inguinal hernias usually only develop on one side of a child’s groin, developing on the right side more often than on the left side. About 10% of the time, inguinal hernias develop on both sides of the groin.

Inguinal hernias are most common in children six years of age or younger, and are more common in premature infants, with 90% of them affecting baby boys.

A baby boy’s testicle forms above the lower abdominal wall and descends through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. The place where the testicle passes through is more susceptible to a hernia because it is a preexisting opening.

In females, the inguinal canal is narrower and begins under the abdominal wall. It carries the round ligament that supports the uterus, and this tough ligament helps to reinforce the muscle wall. However, if a female has connective tissue disease, they may be more susceptible to hernias where connective tissue attaches the uterus to the inguinal canal. Congenital indirect inguinal hernias may also affect baby girls, but it is rare.

Not all inguinal hernias have symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms come and go. A hernia may slide in and out of the opening, or a child may only feel it during certain activities.

In children, you may see a lump in their groin area that gets bigger when they cry. It may go away when they sleep. An inguinal hernia may not always be noticeable because it may be tucked behind muscle fibers.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

A bulge in the area of the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially if you cough or strain
A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
Weakness or pressure in the groin
Occasional, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
Crankiness and difficulty feeding in infants

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

Increased pressure within the abdomen
A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
Straining during bowel movements or urination
Strenuous activity
Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

Being male
Family history
Premature birth and low birth weight
Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

A physical exam is usually performed to diagnose an inguinal hernia in a child. A doctor will check for a bulge in the child’s groin or scrotum area while they are straining or crying, and then determine if it goes away when they are relaxed. If the child is old enough, they may ask them to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

An inguinal hernia in a child is usually treated as soon as possible, as children are more at risk of dangerous complications from them. Complications that can develop from an inguinal hernia include:

Incarcerated hernia- occurs when the contents of the hernia get stuck. When this happens, a child’s healthcare provider can’t push the hernia back into their abdomen
Strangulated hernia- occurs when the hernia gets stuck and cuts of the blood supply to the child’s intestines. The lack of blood flow to a child’s intestines can cause tissue death. This is a serious and painful condition and is a medical emergency

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery

Our friendly on-site staff members are happy to provide you with the information you need about the surgical options available to your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. For more information about our Queens, NYC surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and celebrating the unique strengths that often come with a neurodivergent brain.

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Adult ADHD symptoms include:

Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren’t aware they have it.

The exact cause of ADHD is not clear, but research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

Genetics
Environment
Problems during development

Factors that may increase the risk of ADHD may include:

You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder
Your mother smoked, drank alcohol, or used drugs during pregnancy
As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
You were born prematurely

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to spot. However, the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life, before the age of 12, continuing into adulthood, creating major problems.

There is no single test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis. A diagnosis will likely include:

A physical exam
Questions about your current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
ADHD rating scales or psychological tests

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training, and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment as they can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they won’t cure it.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we progress through the fall season and approach winter, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do fall ill.
Avoiding and preventing the spread of illnesses by practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity. Experiencing stress may affect self-care routines and lower the body’s resistance to infections

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

What Parents Should Expect When Their Child Is Getting an Appendectomy

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When a child experiences abdominal pain, it can be a cause of concern for parents. One of the most common causes of severe stomach pain in children is appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected. If it is left untreated, it can rupture, leading to serious complications.

Signs and symptoms of appendicitis in children include:

Sudden pain in the lower right side of the abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Fever
Loss of appetite
Swelling or bloating in the abdomen

Symptoms of appendicitis may vary, and younger children may have difficulty articulating their pain.

The best treatment for appendicitis is a surgical procedure called an appendectomy. An appendectomy is often an emergency surgery.

Your child may not have a lot of time to get ready for the appendectomy. The healthcare team will want to know when your child last ate because having food in the stomach can cause problems when your child is under anesthesia. If the surgery is planned ahead of time, ask the healthcare provider when your child should stop eating and drinking beforehand.

After the appendectomy, your child will need to rest as it may take a few weeks for them to feel back to normal.

Some tips to help your child have a smooth recovery after the appendectomy include:

Follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely
Limit strenuous activities to avoid putting strain on the surgical area
Keep your child hydrated and encourage them to eat a light, nutritious diet to aid in their recovery

It is important to call your healthcare provider if your child:

Has fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) or higher
Has abdominal swelling
Has green or yellow drainage from any incision
Has pain that gets worse as hours or days pass
Has redness or swelling around the incision
Shows signs of sluggishness
Is vomiting
Will not drink
Doesn’t start to eat one or two days after surgery
Hasn’t had a bowel movement for two days after the surgery
Has diarrhea

The pediatric surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provide many different surgical services to younger patients. For more information about our Queens, NYC pediatric surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Measles

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It can affect anyone, but it is most common in children.

Some risk factors for measles include:

Being unvaccinated
Traveling internationally
Having a Vitamin A deficiency

Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Signs and symptoms of measles appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, including:

Fever
Dry cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Inflamed eyes
Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background, which form on the inner lining of the cheek)
A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

The infection occurs in stages that span over two to three weeks. These stages include:

Infection and incubation- the measles virus spreads in the body for 10 to 14 days after infection. During that time, there are no signs or symptoms.
Nonspecific signs and symptoms- measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a sore throat. This mild illness can last two to three days.
Acute illness and rash- a rash that can consist of small red spots, with some that may be slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The face is usually the first place it appears. The rash spreads down the arms, chest, and back, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet over the next few days. At the same time, the fever rises to temperatures as high as 104 to 105.8.
Recovery- the measles rash can last for about seven days. The rash fades gradually from the face and lastly the thighs and feet. As other symptoms go away, coughing and the darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was, last about 10 days.

A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days. Starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, infectious droplets spray into the air where others can breathe them in. Infectious droplets can stay in the air for about an hour and on a surface for several hours.

Many complications can arise from measles, including:

Diarrhea and vomiting
Ear infection
Bronchitis, laryngitis, or croup
Pneumonia
Encephalitis
Pregnancy problems

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adults receive the measles vaccine to prevent infection.

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose measles based on the disease’s characteristic rash and the Koplik’s spot on the inner lining of the cheek. Your healthcare provider may ask whether you or your child received measles vaccines, whether you traveled outside of the U.S. recently, and if you had contact with anyone who has a rash or fever.

The rash can be confused with many other illnesses. However, a blood test can be done to confirm whether the rash is measles. A test using a throat swab or urine sample can also be used.

There is no specific treatment for a measles infection once it occurs. Treatment can include providing comfort measures to relieve symptoms, such as rest and treating or preventing complications.

Some measures can be taken to protect individuals who don’t have immunity to measles after they have been exposed to the virus, including:

Post-exposure vaccination
Immune serum globulin
Medications
- Fever reducers
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin A

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to the measles virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Back to School Health Tips

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As children prepare for the school year, it is important for them to return to school healthy.

Here are some tips to make sure your child is healthy before they go back to school:

Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential for protecting children and others against various diseases.
Make sure they get their flu and COVID-19 shots. Every child six months or older should get their yearly flu shots, as flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks between December and February.
Make sure they get vision and hearing tests done. Children should have their hearing and vision tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss and talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any changes.
Help your child make healthy food choices, even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole-grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
Make sure to take care of their mental health. Managing school stress, relationships, and friendships can be overwhelming. Encourage them to talk about their emotional health.
Make sure to limit their screen time. Children under the age of two years old should have no screen time. Limit screen time to one to two hours a day for children two years old and over. Parents are encouraged to delay access to smartphones until at least 14 years old.
Be sure to monitor their social media use. Social media use starting during childhood can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children’s and teens’ growth, development, and mental health. Parents are encouraged to set aside time to discuss social media use, including setting privacy limits on who can see and interact with them.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep helps kids focus each day at school and is important for their health. Children between the ages of three and five should sleep 10 to 13 hours (including naps). Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours a night. Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours a night.

These back-to-school health tips will help you and your family return to the classroom safely and be confident in your health.

National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It is a day observed to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect the body against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters the disease-causing organism.

From infants to older adults, immunizations play a critical role in preventing serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, flu, shingles, and HPV-related cancers. Skipping vaccines can leave you and your family vulnerable to these illnesses.

Getting vaccinated plays an important role in keeping your family and community healthy, as vaccinations help protect you from infectious diseases and can lessen the severity of illness. They don’t just help protect you; they also help keep diseases from spreading to others, such as your family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and others in the community. Especially those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

National Immunization Awareness Month offers a timely reminder as families prepare for back-to-school and flu season approaches. If you would like to help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, encourage friends and family to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

National Breastfeeding Month

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is National Breastfeeding Month. It is a time when communities and health organizations work in tandem to share the many health benefits of breastfeeding for the nursing mother and baby and to celebrate the natural and healthful bond between a new mother and her infant.

There are five great health benefits of breastfeeding, including:

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Breast milk shares antibodies from a mother to her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.

Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. Breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted while traveling.

Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother as well. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Ways you can celebrate National Breastfeeding Month include:

Learn more and educate others about breastfeeding

Support breastfeeding mothers

Advocate for better breastfeeding policies

Donate to relevant breastfeeding advocacy organizations

Share stories and experiences about breastfeeding

Volunteer during National Breastfeeding Month

Participate in breastfeeding events

Express gratitude for those who are breastfeeding

At Jamaica Hospital’s Baby Friendly USA-designated Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life, and we provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services, such as breastfeeding, please contact us at 718-291-3276 for more information.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As many parents prepare their children for the new school year, it is essential to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries

Infections

Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, including:

Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed

Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen

Their eyes are watery or inflamed

They rub their eyes a lot

They close or cover one eye

They tilt their head forward

They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work

They hold objects close to their eyes to see

They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work

Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities

Limiting screen time

Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. It is observed as a month that encourages education about the battle against the disease, which affects more than 30,000 people in the United States.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, causing constant lung infections. It also impacts other organs in the body where mucus builds up, such as the pancreas.

There are two types of cystic fibrosis, classic cystic fibrosis and atypical cystic fibrosis.

Classic cystic fibrosis often affects multiple organs. It is usually diagnosed in the first few years of life.

Symptoms of classic cystic fibrosis include:

Frequent lung infections
Loose or oily poop
Trouble breathing
Frequent wheezing
Frequent sinus infections
A nagging cough
Slow growth
Failure to thrive (inability to gain weight despite having a good appetite and taking in enough calories)

Atypical cystic fibrosis is a milder form of the disease. It may only affect one organ, or symptoms may come and go. It is usually diagnosed in older children or adults.

People with atypical cystic fibrosis may have some of the same symptoms as those with classic cystic fibrosis. Over time, they might experience symptoms that can include:

Chronic sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Dehydration or heatstroke from abnormal electrolyte levels
Diarrhea
Pancreatitis
Unintended weight loss

Changes to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause cystic fibrosis. It affects the cells that make mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. When the CFTR protein doesn’t work as it should, it results in a thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, as well as extra salt in sweat.

Changes in the CFTR gene that cause cystic fibrosis are divided into several different groups based on the problems they cause. Different groups of gene changes affect how much CFTR protein is made and how well it works.

To have cystic fibrosis, children must get one copy of the changed CFTR gene from each parent. If children get only one copy, they won’t develop cystic fibrosis. But they will be carriers and could pass the changed gene to their children. People who are carriers may have no symptoms of cystic fibrosis or a few mild symptoms.

Because cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, family history is a risk factor. Cystic fibrosis occurs in all races. However, it is most common in white people of North European ancestry. Because it is less common in people who are Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Native American, or Asian, this may lead to a much later diagnosis.

A late diagnosis may cause worse health issues. Early and effective treatment can improve your quality of life, prevent complications, and help you live longer. If you are a person of color and have symptoms that could be cystic fibrosis, talk to your healthcare provider so you can get tested for it.

To diagnose cystic fibrosis, healthcare providers usually perform a physical exam, review your symptoms, and perform tests.

Every state in the U.S. now routinely screens newborns for cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis means treatment can begin right away. Testing can include:

Newborn screening
A sweat test
Genetic testing

Cystic fibrosis tests may be recommended for older children and adults who weren’t screened at birth. A healthcare provider may suggest genetic and sweat tests if you have repeated bouts of symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, however, treatment can ease symptoms, lessen complications, and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention are recommended to slow the worsening of cystic fibrosis over time, which can lead to a longer life.

The goals of treatment include:

Preventing and controlling infections that occur in the lungs
Removing and loosening mucus from the lungs
Treating and preventing intestinal blockages
Getting enough nutrition

To learn more about cystic fibrosis or to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-7126.