Umbilical hernia in children

Symptoms and causes

Most umbilical herniae will spontaneously shrink and disappear. Consequently, an umbilical hernia in children usually does not require surgery. If around the age of 5 (before entering the first school year) the umbilical hernia is still present, surgery is recommended.

Diagnosis and treatment

In case of an umbilical hernia in children, the opening in the abdominal wall near the navel is sewn closed without placing a mesh.

A strangulated umbilical hernia in children is rare, but it must be repaired as a matter of urgency. Therefore, if the umbilical hernia swells, cannot be pushed back inside and is painful, the child must be taken to the A&E. If the umbilical hernia cannot be pushed back there either, urgent surgery will be required.