Does an umbilical hernia affect a baby's gastrointestinal system?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Umbilical hernia generally does not affect a baby's gastrointestinal tract, but we need to avoid the hernia becoming trapped or even rupturing. Once an umbilical hernia has formed, the hernial sac may contain abdominal omentum or possibly intestines. If the intestines become trapped, this can lead to necrosis of the intestines. Generally, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or even bloody stools. Therefore, umbilical hernias can usually be treated conservatively within the first six months. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, we recommend early surgical intervention, as only surgical treatment can cure it. In the treatment process of an umbilical hernia, the conservative treatment methods adopted mainly involve using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the umbilical ring, and then securing it with wide tape to prevent movement.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Treatment methods for infant umbilical hernia

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weak abdominal wall around the navel, leading to protrusion. It generally does not require special treatment methods. As long as care is taken to avoid the child's intense or prolonged crying, actively treat gastrointestinal diseases to prevent increased abdominal pressure that could lead to protrusion, no special treatment is usually necessary. This is because 80% of children with umbilical hernias will see their hernia rings gradually shrink or even close as they grow older, typically by the age of two. Surgical treatment might only be needed if the hernia ring is very large, such as more than two centimeters in diameter, or if the obvious umbilical hernia persists after the age of two.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Why can't you cry with an umbilical hernia?

In children with umbilical hernia, crying can easily lead to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. As the intra-abdominal pressure increases, gas in the intestines and mesentery can easily protrude through the unclosed umbilical ring, thereby exacerbating the symptoms of the umbilical hernia. In severe cases, this could lead to serious complications such as incarceration of the hernia. Therefore, in addition to not crying, children with an umbilical hernia should also avoid constipation, coughing, and vigorous activities that could increase intra-abdominal pressure, in order to prevent worsening of the hernia symptoms. In daily life, their diet should be light and easy to digest.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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The umbilical hernia in the baby healed, but occurred again after two months. What should I do?

The baby's umbilical hernia had healed for two months but reappeared, indicating that the umbilical ring has not closed and the hernia has not completely healed. Therefore, in daily life, it is important to minimize the child's crying, tantrums, and vigorous exercise, and avoid getting cold or sick as much as possible to prevent severe coughing. Attention should be paid to the intake of foods rich in vitamins and cellulose, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Drink plenty of water, maintain smooth bowel movements, and follow a light diet. Avoid eating cold and spicy foods.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Why has the umbilical hernia become hard?

If the umbilical hernia becomes hard, it may indicate that it has become incarcerated. In such cases, vigorous activities should be avoided and one should rest appropriately or try to manually reduce the protruding hernia sac back into the abdominal cavity. In this situation, close observation is needed to check for intestinal necrosis or even rupture of the hernia. Generally, for umbilical hernias, most children can heal naturally within two years, particularly within the first six months if conservative treatment is chosen. One can use a coin or a piece of paper larger than the umbilical ring, wrap it around, press it against the umbilical ring, and then secure it with adhesive tape to prevent movement, which generally leads to healing within six months. If the umbilical ring still has a diameter greater than 1.5 cm after two years, surgical treatment is recommended as early as possible. If the child is over five years old and the umbilical hernia has not healed, timely surgical intervention should be chosen.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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How does an umbilical hernia gradually improve?

Umbilical hernia refers to a protrusion formed by abdominal contents through the weak area of the umbilicus. After the umbilical cord falls off in the neonatal period, the umbilical scar area, due to the phase when the umbilical cord passes through the abdominal wall during fetal life, creates a congenital separation in the abdominal wall. In infancy, the abdominal muscles on either side do not completely close at the midline, leaving a defect and forming the umbilical ring. When crying, coughing, or struggling increases intra-abdominal pressure, the abdominal contents gradually push outwards through the umbilicus, forming an umbilical hernia. Most umbilical hernias can heal on their own within one year through the contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, unless incarceration occurs, observation and waiting with non-surgical treatment can be adopted to promote healing before the age of two.