Which is more serious, umbilical hernia or inguinal hernia?

Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
Updated on July 03, 2025
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Umbilical hernia and inguinal hernia both occur due to a weak abdominal wall, where abdominal contents protrude through a narrow hernial sac to the surface, causing symptoms. If incarceration occurs in either an umbilical hernia or an inguinal hernia, it cannot be said which type is more severe. The severity depends on the incarcerated contents and the stage of associated blood supply disruption. Immediate surgery is necessary if incarceration causes bowel necrosis, as it can lead to paralysis, necrosis, systemic symptoms, and even death. Compared to inguinal hernia, the hernial ring in an umbilical hernia appears smaller and is more prone to incarceration. Therefore, for umbilical hernias occurring in infants over two years old and adults, we opt for prompt surgical treatment to prevent future complications. In the case of an inguinal hernia, if there is no obvious incarceration, we may observe temporarily and choose surgical treatment when the body is able to tolerate surgery.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
51sec home-news-image

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

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 Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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When can an infant's umbilical hernia heal?

Umbilical hernia in infants is caused by a congenitally weaker abdominal wall around the navel, leading to a protruding navel. This protrusion is more likely to occur when a child cries intensely or has indigestion leading to increased gastrointestinal gas and abdominal pressure. Most umbilical hernias do not require special treatment, as up to 80% of children with an umbilical hernia will see the hernia ring narrow and possibly close naturally as they grow and develop physically, particularly before the age of two. It is sufficient to prevent long periods of intense crying and actively manage conditions that increase abdominal pressure, especially those related to the digestive system. If a child still has a noticeable hernia after the age of two, or if the diameter of the hernia ring exceeds 2 cm, it typically will not heal naturally and surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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The difference between infant umbilical hernia and hernia

Infant umbilical hernia is a type of hernia, which differs from general hernias as the latter encompasses a broader category including umbilical hernia, direct inguinal hernia, indirect inguinal hernia, etc. Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel, leading to a protrusion. Similarly, hernias are often the result of insufficient developmental thickness of the abdominal wall. Thus, when intra-abdominal pressure increases, contents such as the intestine can protrude through the hernia sac, forming a hernia. Regardless of the type, whether umbilical or otherwise, it is essential to visit a pediatric surgical department in a hospital for examination and analysis. Most umbilical hernias close as the child grows and the hernial ring narrows, usually by the age of two, and often do not require special treatment. However, surgical treatment may be necessary for a small portion of cases where the diameter of the hernial ring is larger than two centimeters or has not closed after the age of two. For hernias in other locations, if incarceration occurs, emergency surgery is needed, and surgery may still be required if the condition does not resolve spontaneously.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
1min 4sec home-news-image

Which is more serious, umbilical hernia or inguinal hernia?

Umbilical hernia and inguinal hernia both occur due to a weak abdominal wall, where abdominal contents protrude through a narrow hernial sac to the surface, causing symptoms. If incarceration occurs in either an umbilical hernia or an inguinal hernia, it cannot be said which type is more severe. The severity depends on the incarcerated contents and the stage of associated blood supply disruption. Immediate surgery is necessary if incarceration causes bowel necrosis, as it can lead to paralysis, necrosis, systemic symptoms, and even death. Compared to inguinal hernia, the hernial ring in an umbilical hernia appears smaller and is more prone to incarceration. Therefore, for umbilical hernias occurring in infants over two years old and adults, we opt for prompt surgical treatment to prevent future complications. In the case of an inguinal hernia, if there is no obvious incarceration, we may observe temporarily and choose surgical treatment when the body is able to tolerate surgery.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
1min 6sec home-news-image

How to determine if it is an umbilical hernia?

The most typical symptom of an umbilical hernia is a protruding lump at the navel, which generally disappears on its own when the patient is sleeping soundly or lying flat. In most cases in children, the lump can enlarge and may become firmer when crying, standing, or straining the abdomen. It tends to reduce or even disappear during rest. Most adults become aware of the condition in children while doing laundry or bathing. In adults, umbilical hernias mostly occur due to conditions like pregnancy, excessive fat, chronic coughing, severe liver cirrhosis, ascites, etc. Adult umbilical hernias are prone to incarceration and strangulation, therefore, surgery is generally recommended as soon as possible. In children, conservative treatment methods can be adopted before the age of two, as the chances of incarceration are relatively low. Before two years of age, a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring is used, held against the umbilical ring and secured with adhesive tape; this usually leads to spontaneous closure.