MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Umbilical hernia repair

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Umbilical hernia repair - series: Indications

Umbilical hernia repair - seriesIllustrations:

Indications

Umbilical hernias are fairly common. They are obvious at birth and are caused by a small defect in the abdominal muscles which allows a portion of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) to protrude, and push the umbilicus outward. This is more obvious when the infant cries and the increased pressure results in more visible bulging. The defect is not usually treated surgically. In most cases, by age 3 the umbilical hernia shrinks and closes without treatment.

The indications for umbilical hernia repair include:

incarcerated (strangulated) umbilical hernia
defects not spontaneously closed by 4 to 5 years of age
children under 2 with very large defects unacceptable to parents for cosmetic reasons

Update Date: 11/2/2007

Updated by: Deirdre O'Reilly, M.D., M.P.H., Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.