Mostly, umbilical hernias in infants close on their own when the baby is one or two years old. The physician might even be able to push the bulge back into the abdomen during the examination.
Kids with umbilical hernia have to be operated if the hernia is painful, bigger than 1.5 centimeters in diameter, large and doesn't decrease in size over the first two years, if it doesn’t disappear by age four, becomes trapped or blocks the intestines.
Adults get surgery to prevent possible complications, particularly if the umbilical hernia gets bigger or becomes painful.
During operation, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the bellybutton in order to return the herniated tissue to the abdominal cavity. The opening in the abdominal wall is stitched closed. In adults, mesh is often used to help strengthen the abdominal wall.
Preventive measures
Since an umbilical hernia is caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall, it cannot be prevented. If a hernia is suspected, a doctor should always be consulted to exclude the risk of incarceration. Although usually no treatment is necessary in young children, a doctor should always examine them if they have an umbilical hernia. In this way, complications can be avoided.
