Non-tender inguinal swelling in female infants and children: Diagnostic approach

Non-tender inguinal swelling in female infants and children may result from hernias, lymphadenopathy, or soft tissue masses. Infants, in particular, may have an ovary or fallopian tube that has herniated into the inguinal canal and is non-tender. In these patients, gentle reduction will not be successful. They require urgent Doppler ultrasound followed by consultation or referral to a surgeon with pediatric expertise. This algorithm is intended for use in conjunction with additional UpToDate content. For more details, refer to UpToDate topics on inguinal swelling in children.