Umbilical Hernia Repair

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Umbilical Hernia Repair: Indications

Children:

Umbilical hernias are fairly common. Such a hernia is obvious at birth, as it pushes the umbilicus outward. This is more obvious when the infant cries and the increased pressure results in more visible bulging.

In infants, the defect is not usually treated surgically. In most cases, by age 3 the umbilical hernia shrinks and closes without treatment.

Umbilical hernia repair may be necessary for children for the following reasons:

• The hernia is incarcerated or strangulated (the tissue gets stuck pushed out).
• The defect has not closed by 3 or 4 years of age.
• The defect is very large or unacceptable to parents for cosmetic reasons.

Adults:

Umbilical or para-umbilical hernias are relatively common in adults. They are more common in overweight people and in women, especially after pregnancy. Most surgeons recommend they be surgcially repaired, as they tend to get bigger over time.

Without surgical repair, there is a risk that some abdominal contents, typically a bit of fat or intestine, will get stuck (incarcerated) in the hernia defect and become impossible to push back in, which is typically painful. If the blood supply is compromised (strangulation), the patient requires urgent surgery.

Incarcerated abdominal tissue may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Any patient with a hernia that cannot be reduced, or pushed back in, while lying down and relaxed should seek urgent medical attention.