How long does it take for an infant umbilical hernia to heal?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on December 15, 2024
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Infant umbilical hernia is caused by congenital weakness of the umbilical and abdominal regions, resulting in protrusion of the navel. Generally, it does not require special treatment. This is because up to 80% of infant umbilical hernias will gradually decrease in size as the child ages and physically develops, and the hernial ring may even close, thereby healing naturally. Surgery is usually chosen only if the diameter of the hernia ring is too large, especially if it is more than 2 cm, or if the child is over two years old and still has a noticeable umbilical hernia. Before this, it is usually advisable to avoid situations that could increase abdominal pressure in the child, such as preventing prolonged and intense crying. If the child has gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be treated promptly and actively to prevent repeated protrusion of the umbilical hernia.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Nursing methods for umbilical hernia

Care methods for umbilical hernia, we need to pay attention to the following points. If during a child's intense crying or activity, the contents of the umbilical hernia protrusion are relatively large, it is important to promptly soothe the patient to avoid incarceration. Because if the incarceration lasts too long, it can lead to necrosis or even rupture of the intestine, potentially endangering the child's life and requiring emergency surgical treatment. The general conservative treatment method for umbilical hernia is to select a coin or flat plate larger than the diameter of the umbilical ring, wrap it around to press against the umbilical ring, and then secure it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Generally, most children can self-heal within six months. If the umbilical hernia does not heal by itself after two years and the diameter of the umbilical ring is greater than 1.5 cm, surgery is recommended. In any case, if the patient is older than five years and has not healed in a timely manner, it is advisable to proactively opt for surgery as soon as possible.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How to press back an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are generally more common in newborns, primarily because the umbilical ring has not yet completely closed. In children, lumps appear in the navel area when they cry or when abdominal pressure increases. To address an umbilical hernia, first massage the area around the belly button, then gently return the hernial sac to the abdominal cavity with both hands. After returning the hernia, secure it externally with a hernia belt. This can effectively prevent the recurrence of the umbilical hernia. Typically, through conservative treatment, which involves this method of binding for about one to two months, the patient’s umbilical hernia can heal on its own.

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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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can sheath effusion be treated with an umbilical hernia belt?

Can a hernia belt be used for hydrocele? Basically, a hernia belt is of no use for hydrocele. First, you need to understand the difference between hydrocele and hernia. What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when there's a hole in the groin area through which abdominal organs such as the omentum, intestines, and abdominal fluids can leak into the scrotum. By simply covering this hole, the descent of these abdominal contents can be prevented, which is the function of a hernia belt. What about hydrocele? It occurs when the processus vaginalis does not close properly or at all. Usually, it's still small enough that only abdominal fluids can leak into the scrotum, but larger organs like the intestines cannot descend. Therefore, using a hernia belt is ineffective for a hydrocele because there's no hole in the groin area that needs covering or blocking. Hence, a hernia belt is useless for hydrocele.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What should I do if my baby's umbilical hernia doesn't go away?

Umbilical hernia in children is mainly caused by an unsealed navel ring. Its treatment should be based on specific clinical symptoms and age. If the hernia does not retract, it can be treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment involves returning the hernia contents to the abdominal cavity and using an object the size of a coin, wrapped externally with gauze, to hold it in place and prevent movement. Generally, umbilical hernias in infants under six months can be cured with conventional treatment methods, and the treatment effect is very good. However, if the diameter of the navel ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment should be considered. For children over five years of age who still have symptoms of an umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is ineffective, and surgery should be performed as soon as possible. Umbilical hernias are a common condition, but not serious, requiring only dynamic observation and timely medical treatment if severe.