Umbilical hernias are a common condition in children, typically appearing as a small bulge at the belly button. It may get bigger when laughing, coughing, crying or going to the toilet and may shrink when relaxing or lying down. While they can be a cause for concern for parents, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can provide reassurance and guide appropriate care.
They represent a failure of the umbilical ring to close (the umbilical opening in utero allows the connection between mother and baby). Whilst umbilical hernias can close spontaneously (usually when the child is 4yrs), African and African-descent populations have a higher rate of complications. These complications include pain, vomiting, inability to shrink (irreducible or obstructed) that can lead to surgical emergencies. Thus there are some recommendations for repair of the hernia once diagnosed.
An umbilical hernia repair is a relatively simple procedure that normally takes about 30 to 40 minutes. General anaesthetic is usually used so there’s no pain while the operation is carried out. The weak spot in the abdominal wall is usually closed with stitches. The child can be discharged on the same day with painkillers. Complications, though rare, can occur and include infection, bleeding or recurrence.
