My daughter will be one on 07-01-06, she has been diagnosed as have a umbilical hernia...is surgery needed?

Question

My dr. said it was not needed...but is this true?? He said that kids usually outgrow them by 2 or 3 years old....it seems to be getting gradually larger!

Answer 1

Umbilical hernia is a congenital malformation, especially common in infants of African descent, and more frequent in boys. A hernia is present at the site of the umbilicus (commonly called a navel, or belly button) in the newborn; although sometimes quite large, these hernias tend to resolve without any treatment by around the age of 5 years. Obstruction and strangulation of the hernia is rare because the underlying defect in the abdominal wall is larger than in an inguinal hernia of the newborn.

Babies are prone to this malformation because of the process during fetal development by which the abdominal organs form outside the abdominal cavity, later returning into it through an opening which will become the umbilicus.

Importantly this type of hernia must be distinguished from a para-umbilical hernia which occurs in adults and involves a defect in the midline near to but not through the umbilicus, and from omphalocele.

When the orfice is small (< 1 or 2cm), 90% closes within 3 years, and if these hernias are asymptomatic, reducible, and don't enlarge, no surgery is needed (and in other cases it must be considered). However, in some communities mothers routinely push the small bulge back in and tape a coin over the palpable hernia hole until closure occurs. This practice is not medically recommended as there is a small risk of trapping a loop of bowel under part of the coin resulting in a small area of ischemic bowel. The use of bandages or other articles to continuously reduce the hernia is not evidence-based.

Umbilical hernias in adults are largely acquired, and more frequent in obese or pregnant women. Abnormal decussation of fibers at the linea alba may contribute.

Answer 2

Ninety percent of umbilical hernias heal on their own by the time the child is 3 or 4 years old. Therefore, your surgeon will probably recommend waiting until your child is 3 or 4 before advising surgical repair. However, if the umbilical hernia is incarcerated or the defect is greater than 1.5 cm in diameter or getting bigger gradually(like in your daughter's case), it is unlikely to spontaneously heal and will need to be surgically repaired.

Answer 3

I have had three premature babies all of which had umbilical hernias.I also was born with an umbilical hernia.Usually they can go away on their own which in my son and daughters case they did.In mine and my middle childs case it had to be surgically repaired.My daughter had same day surgery at the age of two.No big scars but discomfort for the child.It took one week for her to be her normal self.(The doctors can usually tell by one and a half it the umbilical hernia will correct itself)

Answer 4

Most of the time surgery isn't needed on an umbilical hernia. However if you feel that you need a second opionion please seek one out from a qualified professional.

Answer 5

My little boy was born with one, and he is 3 and it finally is almost healed. He had a major outie.

Answer 6

trust your doctor

if you are worried
1 talk to your doctor again
2 get a second opinion
have fun