Umbilical hernia in children

Symptoms and causes

Most umbilical herniae will spontaneously shrink and disappear. Consequently, an umbilical hernia in children usually does not require surgery.

If around the age of 5 (before entering the first school year) the umbilical hernia is still present, surgery is recommended.

Diagnosis and treatment

During an umbilical hernia surgery for children, the abdominal opening near the navel is stitched closed. There is no need to install surgical mesh during the procedure.

A strangulated umbilical hernia in children is rare, but it must be repaired as a matter of urgency.

If the umbilical hernia swells, cannot be pushed back and causes pain, the child should be taken to the A&E. If the umbilical hernia cannot be pushed back there either, urgent surgery will be required.