Can an umbilical hernia be treated with a belly button patch?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on November 22, 2024
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Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring, commonly seen in infants and young children. Most of these hernias are reducible and incarceration is rare. The majority of umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first year through gradual contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, unless incarceration occurs, non-surgical treatment aimed at promoting healing, such as the use of umbilical patches and hernia belts, can be adopted before the age of two. However, since infants and young children have delicate skin, it is important to monitor for any skin allergies. If the child is older than two years and the diameter of the umbilical hernia exceeds 1.5 cm, surgical treatment should be considered.

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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.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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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 Peng
General Surgery
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How is umbilical hernia treated?

In treating umbilical hernias, we need to consider both the age of the patient and the size of the hernia specifically caused. Generally, children under the age of two do not require surgery. Typically, we consider using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it up, pressing against the umbilical ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most can close by themselves and heal. For children over two years old, if the hernia is still larger than 1.5cm, surgical treatment should be considered. In adults, traditional tissue repair methods are generally used, or an open umbilical hernia tension-free repair. The repair can be placed in front of the muscle or can use a hernia ring filling method. For most patients, if there is an opportunity for minimally invasive treatment, laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair can be selected. This method generally involves a smaller incision and can preserve the navel, reducing the chance of incision infection, and is particularly suitable for obese patients.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long will it take for an umbilical hernia to heal?

Umbilical hernia can heal on its own, generally, if the appropriate treatment method is chosen, most umbilical hernias can heal within six months. For children over two years old, if the umbilical hernia has not healed and the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm, active surgical treatment is also chosen. For children over five years old, surgical treatment is recommended regardless of the situation. Umbilical hernia occurs because the umbilical ring does not close in time during the child's development, causing the abdomen to protrude. The common treatment method is to choose a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrap it up, press against the umbilical ring, and fix it with adhesive tape to prevent it from moving. This treatment method generally works well and can avoid surgery. However, during the observation process, it is necessary to avoid the occurrence of incarceration or rupture of the hernia.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Why does the baby's umbilical hernia make a sound when pressed?

When pressing on a baby's umbilical hernia, a sound may be heard, primarily because the contents of the hernia are the intestines, most commonly the small intestine. Digestive fluids and gases are present in the intestines, so when pressed, the movement of gas through the digestive fluid can easily produce a sound, which is normal. The occurrence of an umbilical hernia in babies is mainly due to the incomplete development of the abdominal wall muscles and the umbilical ring not being fully closed. This allows internal organs like the intestines and mesentery to protrude through the umbilical ring, leading to symptoms of an umbilical hernia. After the appearance of an umbilical hernia, most children's hernias close on their own within the first year, with only a minority requiring surgical treatment.