Umbilical hernia (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia is an outward bulging (protrusion) of the abdominal lining or part of the abdominal organ(s) through the area around the belly button.
What are the symptoms of Umbilical hernia?
A hernia can vary in width from less than 1 centimeter to more than 5 centimeters.
There is a soft swelling over the belly button that often bulges when the baby sits up, cries, or strains. The bulge may be flat when the infant lies on the back and is quiet.
What are the causes of Umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia in an infant occurs when the muscle through which blood vessels pass to feed the developing fetus doesn't close completely.
Who is at risk for Umbilical hernia?
- infants
- African Americans
- Patients with the following pre-existing diseases:
How to know you have Umbilical hernia?
The doctor can find the hernia during a physical exam.
When to seek urgent medical care
Call your health care provider, or go to the emergency room if the infant is very fussy or seems to have bad abdominal pain, or if the hernia becomes tender, swollen, or discolored.
Treatment options
Usually, no treatment is needed unless the hernia continues past age 3 or 4. In very rare cases, bowel or other tissue can bulge out and lose its blood supply (become strangulated). This is an emergency needing surgery.
Where to find medical care for Umbilical hernia
Directions to Hospitals Treating Umbilical hernia
Prevention of Umbilical hernia
There is no known way to prevent an umbilical hernia. Taping or "strapping" an umbilical hernia will not make it go away.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Most umbilical hernias get better without treatment by the time the child is 3 - 4 years old. Those that do not close may need surgery. Umbilical hernias are usually painless.
Possible Complications
Strangulation of bowel tissue is rare but serious, and needs immediate surgery.