- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Umbilical Hernia
Pediatric Umbilical Hernia
A pediatric umbilical hernia develops when the abdominal muscles around the belly button don’t fully close after birth. This creates an opening that allows intestinal tissue or fat to push through. These hernias are quite common and usually resolve on their own as the abdominal muscles strengthen by age 4-5 years. Hernias with smaller openings (less than 1.0 cm) are more likely to close than those with larger openings.
What causes it?
Umbilical hernias are more common in low birth weight, premature, and African American infants. Boys and girls tend to be affected equally.
What are the symptoms?
A bulging belly button is one of the most common signs of an umbilical hernia. The bulge will likely increase when your child cries, coughs, or strains. It can go away when the child relaxes or rests. These hernias usually do not cause any pain.
Vomiting, sharp abdominal pain, and fever can signal a strangulated hernia, which is considered a medical emergency. Swelling and redness of the hernia bulge can also indicate a concern. Strangulation stops the blood supply to the herniated tissue, which can lead to tissue death if not treated quickly.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical exam and health history can confirm the diagnosis of an umbilical hernia. It is rare for imaging to be required for an official diagnosis.
How is it treated?
Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 4-5 years. Surgery is the only treatment to fix an umbilical hernia if it doesn’t close, which involves sewing the umbilical ring closed. Parents can consider waiting to see if it closes on its own.
