Does an infant umbilical hernia require surgery?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

Updated on January 24, 2025

00:00

00:00

Umbilical hernias in infants do not always require surgery; only a small portion necessitates it. Surgery is needed mainly if the child is over two years old and still has a noticeable umbilical hernia, or if the hernia's ring diameter exceeds 2 cm. In these cases, the chances of natural healing are slim, and surgical intervention to remove the hernia sac and repair the abdominal wall defect may be necessary. In other cases, 80% of umbilical hernias can heal by the age of two as the abdominal muscles strengthen and develop with age, often causing the hernia ring to narrow and close on its own, achieving healing without any additional treatment. The previously used method of compressing the hernia with a hernia belt has been proven ineffective and is no longer employed.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by He Zong Quan

General Surgery

54sec

home-news-image

Does adult umbilical hernia affect the body?

Adult umbilical hernias definitely impact the body, as they primarily involve abdominal contents protruding through a weak area of the abdominal wall at the navel, which can easily lead to hernia incarceration. This causes compression of the intestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation that are difficult to alleviate, as well as abdominal wall pain and localized inflammatory reactions. Such cases generally require surgical treatment. In early stages of an umbilical hernia, there is concern for gradual expansion of the hernia ring, which warrants early intervention, possibly involving padding and bandaging the weak spot in the abdominal wall to prevent the protrusion of abdominal contents. If the umbilical hernia frequently protrudes, it is necessary to consider surgery as soon as possible.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

56sec

home-news-image

Is it normal for a baby to have an umbilical hernia with a belly button sound?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenitally weak abdominal wall around the navel, allowing organs within the abdominal cavity, such as intestines, to protrude through the hernia spot. If bowel sounds are enhanced, one might hear noises from the belly button. This is usually not concerning as long as there is no incarceration. Generally, it is important to avoid causing the child to cry intensely for long periods and to actively treat and prevent gastrointestinal diseases to avoid excessive abdominal pressure that can lead to frequent protrusions from the navel. Most umbilical hernias will gradually close and heal before the age of two as the child grows and their physique develops. Only a small portion of children with a large hernia ring diameter, such as more than two centimeters, or children who still have a noticeable umbilical hernia after the age of two, might require surgical intervention for treatment.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

1min 9sec

home-news-image

Can an infant umbilical hernia cause crying?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weakness in the umbilicus, usually manifesting as an umbilical bulge during increased abdominal pressure. Generally, an umbilical hernia does not cause children to cry. However, if the hernia ring is relatively large, and abdominal structures such as the greater omentum or small intestine protrude through it, incarceration can occur, leading to abdominal discomfort and crying in the child. In such cases, carefully pushing the hernia back in is usually sufficient. Umbilical hernias typically do not require special treatment; it is only necessary to prevent prolonged intense crying in children and to actively prevent and treat indigestive diseases. Generally, as the child grows older and their physique strengthens, the hernia ring narrows and may even close naturally. Only a small number of babies, if the hernia ring diameter is larger than 2 cm, or if there is a noticeable umbilical hernia after the age of two, might experience discomfort requiring surgical treatment.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 8sec

home-news-image

Is umbilical hernia hereditary?

Umbilical hernia is not a hereditary disease and generally does not occur genetically. Umbilical hernia is due to the incomplete healing of the umbilical ring, causing the abdominal organs to protrude through the umbilical ring, and is a congenital disease. Developmental inadequacies of the navel, or the presence of scar tissue, thinness, and lack of toughness in the navel area can lead to this condition when abdominal pressure increases. In general, children with an umbilical hernia may show discomfort, which can manifest as frequent crying or constipation. For most cases of umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is an option. In children under two years old, surgery can be avoided by using adhesive tape treatment, which can achieve very good therapeutic effects. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, timely surgery is necessary. For adults with umbilical hernia, incarceration and strangulation are common, and surgery is recommended as soon as a clear diagnosis is made.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

50sec

home-news-image

Can babies with umbilical hernias take baths?

Infant umbilical hernia is a congenital developmental disorder caused by a weak abdominal wall at the navel present from birth, which especially tends to bulge when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Of course, bathing is permissible as long as there is no local skin infection around the hernia; there are no issues with bathing otherwise. However, if there is local skin infection or damage at the hernia site, caution should be taken during bathing to disinfect properly and avoid irritating the wound, which could worsen the symptoms. Indeed, over 80% of umbilical hernias can heal naturally before the age of two as the child grows and develops. Only a small fraction of children, whose hernia ring diameter is larger than 2 cm or who still have a noticeable umbilical hernia after the age of two, require surgical treatment.