Does an infant umbilical hernia require surgery?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua

Pediatrics

Updated on January 24, 2025

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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.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

59sec

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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 Zhang Peng

General Surgery

1min 2sec

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

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.

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Written by Zhang Ai Min

Pediatrics

56sec

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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.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

54sec

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Will there still be a lump on the belly button after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia refers to a bulge formed by the contents of the abdominal cavity protruding through a weak spot in the navel area, commonly seen in infants and young children. Most umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first year as the umbilical fascial ring gradually contracts. Therefore, unless there is incarceration of the hernia, it is possible to observe and use non-surgical treatment before the age of two. When the child reaches two years of age and the diameter of the hernia exceeds 1.5 centimeters, surgical treatment is recommended. After the surgical treatment of the umbilical hernia, the bulge on the belly button will disappear. The surgery involves making a small incision at the lower edge of the navel, freeing the hernial sac, repositioning the herniated contents, and after excising part of the hernial sac at the hernial ring, suturing is performed.

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Written by He Zong Quan

General Surgery

49sec

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Can you take a bath with an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is primarily due to the weak abdominal wall at the navel, allowing abdominal contents to pass through and protrude at the surface, forming a lump. In children under two years old, if the umbilical hernia does not cause incarceration or significant redness and swelling on the skin's surface, bathing is generally not affected. In adults, umbilical hernias usually do not heal on their own and often require surgical treatment, otherwise, the hernia tends to enlarge. As long as the umbilical hernia does not cause significant incarceration requiring emergency surgery, or local inflammatory skin reactions, it does not affect the patient's ability to bathe. Even if surgery is necessary for an umbilical hernia, it is considered an elective procedure.