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

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 24, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
58sec home-news-image

Can an umbilical hernia heal itself?

Umbilical hernia has the potential to heal on its own, but it requires conservative treatment methods to be adopted. Generally, children under the age of two can undergo conservative observational treatment, such as using adhesive tape, as the umbilical ring in most cases can close by itself between the ages of 1 and 2. However, if the child is over two years old and the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 cm, choosing surgical treatment is a wise decision. For patients over the age of five, it is recommended to undergo surgery as early as possible regardless of the situation, as the chances of incarceration or strangulation can increase after the age of five. Generally, surgical intervention is required for a cure. Options include traditional tissue suture repair methods or open umbilical hernia tension-free repair.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
45sec home-news-image

What impact does an umbilical hernia have on a baby?

Umbilical hernia mainly manifests in children as a bulge at the belly button, primarily containing small intestine. If an umbilical hernia is not treated in a timely manner, it may gradually enlarge when the child cries or when intra-abdominal pressure increases, leading to more of the small intestine protruding outside of the abdominal cavity. This can potentially cause localized intestinal obstruction, impacting the child's intestinal absorption capabilities and leading to weight loss. If a significant portion of the intestine protrudes and becomes incarcerated, it could cause intestinal obstruction or necrosis, necessitating surgical removal of the necrotic intestine in a hospital.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is hot compress useful for umbilical hernia?

In cases of umbilical hernia, applying heat generally has no effect. For infants, it is often acceptable to observe conservatively until the child is about two years old. Adhesive tape therapy can be used in this period. By the age of two, the umbilical ring in most children will close on its own. For those over two years old with an umbilical ring diameter still greater than 1.5 cm, surgery should be considered. For patients over five years old, it is generally recommended to undergo surgery sooner rather than later. In adults, the causes of umbilical hernias are mainly due to factors such as pregnancy, excessive fat in the greater omentum, chronic coughing, cirrhosis with ascites, etc., which increase abdominal pressure. Incarceration can occur, involving either the greater omentum or the small intestine, and surgery is usually the chosen treatment method, either through traditional tissue repair techniques or open tension-free hernia repair. In some cases, laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair may be chosen when necessary.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
57sec home-news-image

Can an umbilical hernia heal itself?

Umbilical hernias can heal on their own, but we need to choose the appropriate method during the treatment process. Generally, if the umbilical hernia occurs before the age of two, we can choose a coin larger than the umbilical ring or a flat board, wrap it in gauze to press against the umbilical ring, and then use tape to secure it to prevent it from moving. In such cases, the hernia may heal on its own. During the observational treatment of an umbilical hernia, it is also important to prevent the child from engaging in vigorous activities or crying. If the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5cm after the age two, we recommend choosing surgical treatment. Generally, if the umbilical hernia has not healed by the age of five, we actively recommend opting for surgical treatment. If the child's improper lifestyle can cause aggravation or even rupture of the umbilical hernia, emergency surgery is required in such cases.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
1min 5sec home-news-image

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.