The difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical sinus.

Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
Updated on February 26, 2025
00:00
00:00

The main difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical sinus is that an umbilical hernia is primarily due to the weakness of the tissues around the navel. When the intra-abdominal pressure of a patient increases, it can easily cause intestinal contents to protrude through the weak umbilical ring. On the other hand, an umbilical sinus generally refers to certain secretions that form around the navel after the scab falls off post-birth in newborns, which sometimes can easily lead to infections. This condition is not caused by weakness of the navel but is likely related to localized infections after the umbilical cord is cut. Therefore, the mechanisms of these two conditions are different. Generally, an umbilical hernia requires surgical treatment, while an umbilical sinus can be completely healed by controlling the infection, and it does not pose significant harm.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
49sec home-news-image

Does infant umbilical hernia need treatment?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by poor congenital development of the navel, resulting in protrusion of the umbilicus. Usually, as the child ages, the hernial ring gradually narrows and closes, and 80% of such cases can close on their own. However, there are a few cases, such as those where the hernial ring diameter is too large, especially more than 2cm, or those that do not close by the age of two, which require surgical treatment. During this period, it is usually necessary to avoid situations that may cause increased abdominal pressure in the child, leading to protrusion of the navel, such as preventing the child from crying intensely. For instance, if the child exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be taken to the doctor for timely examination and treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Ai Min
Pediatrics
56sec home-news-image

Symptoms of infant umbilical hernia

Infant umbilical hernia refers to a large protrusion at the navel of an infant, generally composed of the remaining umbilical cord and a part of the intestine. Typically, if the protrusion is not very large, such as less than one centimeter, it usually does not include the intestines. However, if it is particularly noticeable and large, there might be protrusion of the intestines, hence the area may feel bloated when touched. An infant umbilical hernia may cause localized accumulation of the intestines, and some children might cry and show signs of pain while feeding. However, generally speaking, most umbilical hernias do not have obvious symptoms, and there is no need for excessive worry. As the child ages, there is a possibility of improvement, and the hernia might heal on its own.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

Can you swim with an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is a common navel disease in infants and young children, primarily due to developmental defects at the navel where the region is relatively weak. When abdominal pressure increases, the contents of the abdomen may protrude, but this condition is generally not serious and does not cause severe harm to the child, with most cases resolving on their own. Therefore, for babies with an umbilical hernia, it is okay to allow them to swim. Swimming will not exacerbate the hernia nor cause any adverse effects. Only a very few severe cases of umbilical hernia, which have not healed naturally by the age of two, would require surgical treatment. It is also fine for children with an umbilical hernia to swim two to three times a week; parents can be reassured about this.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
56sec home-news-image

Does an umbilical hernia hurt?

Umbilical hernias can be painful because they may become incarcerated or even rupture. An umbilical hernia occurs when the area has not completely closed, allowing abdominal organs, such as the omentum or intestines, to enter the hernia sac. If incarceration persists for an extended period, it can cause localized pain and even symptoms of nausea and vomiting. For umbilical hernias, we generally advocate conservative treatment within the first six months, as most patients can heal on their own. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, we recommend surgical treatment. The conservative treatment for umbilical hernia involves using a coin or a flat board, larger than the umbilical ring, wrapped and pressed against the ring, and then secured with wide adhesive tape. This method can prevent the hernia from protruding and promote healing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
40sec home-news-image

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.