UMBILICAL HERNIA IN THE CHILD

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HEALTH AND COMFORT IN THE CHILD

Bulge in the navel area, often identified in the first years of life. Many close spontaneously, with the need for surgery being evaluated according to the evolution and characteristics of each case.

A prominent navel that increases when the child cries? 

Usually it is painless and does not represent an emergency.

Many close spontaneously during the first years.

An opening that has not yet closed

After birth, the opening through which the umbilical cord passed should close.

01 OPENING

in the navel ring

02 PRESSURE

of the abdomen

03 PROTRUSION

covered with skin

If the opening remains, a small portion of fat or intestine can push the navel skin outward.

IMPORTANT

Crying, coughing or straining does not cause the hernia. It only increases the pressure inside the abdomen and makes the protrusion more visible.

It does not result from anything the parents have done.

Many close alone

In a child without pain and clinically well, it is generally safe to follow the evolution.

01

BABY

The opening in the navel may still be present.

02

FIRST YEARS

Many decrease and close during growth.

03

AROUND 4-5 YEARS

If it persists, the need for surgery is reassessed.

WHAT MATTERS MOST

The size of the opening in the abdominal wall — not just the volume of the "ball" on the outside.

Coins, straps, belts or adhesive dressings do not close the hernia and can harm the skin.

Observe or ponder surgery?

The decision depends on age, clinical examination, symptoms and the evolution of the opening.

OBSERVE

It is frequent when:

  • ●
    Small child, well and without pain
  • ●
    Soft bulge that decreases when relaxed
  • ●
    Opening to decrease over time
CONSIDER SURGERY

It may be indicated if:

  • ●
    It persists around 4-5 years
  • ●
    It causes pain or other symptoms
  • ●
    It has already become stuck or there is another clinical reason
WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT SEEK TO RESOLVE

To close the opening in the abdominal wall and prevent the contents from bulging again.

A large bulge on the outside does not mean, in itself, that early surgery is necessary.

If surgery is indicated

The correction is made under general anesthesia, usually in an outpatient surgery.

01

Small incision

Next to the navel, taking advantage of its natural fold.

02

Replace, if necessary

If there is content in the bag, it returns to the abdomen.

03

Close the opening

The abdominal wall defect is closed with stitches.

30–60 min
surgery
Same day
usual discharge
Few days
up to 1 week for school
≈ 2 weeks
without physical education, bicycle or swimming
Contact sport: only when authorized by the team.

Approximate times. The total time in the clinic is longer than the surgery; follow the team's instructions.

When not to wait

It is rare for an umbilical hernia to get stuck, but seek urgent evaluation if the bulge:

  • ●
    Become hard, painful or very sensitive
  • ●
    Get stuck and fail to decrease when the child relaxes
  • ●
    Become red, purple or darkened

ESPECIALLY IF THERE ARE
vomiting · swollen abdomen · persistent pain or inconsolable crying · refusal to eat · very lethargic child

Do not try to force a painful hernia back in.

AFTER SURGERY

Contact the team in case of fever, redness or swelling, pus, persistent vomiting or increasing pain.

what is evaluated in the treatment

01.

pathological conditions:

If the patient has recurrent difficulties or other clinical conditions that may justify surgery.

02.

Hygiene and comfort:

The doctor will evaluate the patient's level of comfort, taking into account their hygiene and potential complications caused by the presence of the hernia.

03.

Aesthetic reasons:

For patients, the doctor will discuss the expectations and benefits of the procedure.

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