What is the umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is very common among children, especially newborns, affecting 1 in 5 neonates. This hernia is a usually painless bulge or protrusion in the umbilical area and is caused by the failure of the central abdominal muscles to fully heal. (1) (2)


Most people with umbilical hernia are children less than 6 months old, and their hernia usually disappears on its own without any treatment when they reach the age of one or two years. But umbilical hernia can affect children of all ages and adults as well. (3)


Symptoms of umbilical hernia in children

There is a clear bulge or protrusion in the umbilical area it is the main symptom of umbilical hernia in children, as it can become larger or smaller with some practices such as: (4)

  • The hernia increases in size when the child does something that increases pressure on the abdomen, such as crying, coughing, or straining during defecating.
  • The hernia decreases in size when the child lies down and is calm.


In some cases, part of the intestine may become stuck in the hernia area. In this case, the child will suffer from: (5)

  • A full, and round belly.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Vomiting.
  • Redness of the area near the hernia.
  • High temperature (fever).


Causes umbilical hernia in children

Umbilical hernia in babies occurs when the umbilical ring does not close before the baby is born. The umbilical ring is a circle of muscles and tissue that forms to allow the blood vessels in the umbilical cord to reach the baby's body. This ring normally closes before the baby is born, and if it doesn't close, the tissue may swell and lead to a hernia. (6)


Until now, scientists have not been able to determine why the umbilical ring does not close and an umbilical hernia occurs.


 However, it is believed that muscle weakness in the area may play a role in this condition, and among the factors that increase the chance of developing a hernia are the following: (5) (6)


  • The baby is born prematurely.
  • The baby is born with a lower than normal weight.
  • The presence of a family history of hernia in any family member, whether parents or siblings.


How does a doctor diagnose an umbilical hernia in a child?

Doctors can diagnose a child with an umbilical hernia by physically examining the hernia and abdomen. During the examination, the doctor will examine the size and shape of the hernia. In some cases, the doctor requests imaging tests to check for any complications. (6)


How is umbilical hernia treated in children?

The hernia usually disappears once the child reaches the age of 2 years in 90% of cases, but in some cases it can continue until the child reaches the age of 4 years. (1)


The doctor may resort to surgery in these cases The following: (2) (4)

  • The hernia does not close when the child reaches 4-5 years of age.
  • An incarcerated hernia, meaning it cannot be easily returned to its place.
  • The hernia becomes larger and bulges.
  • The hernia protrudes and increases in size when the child is asleep, quiet, or lying down, and cannot be easily pushed back into place.
  • You notice the following symptoms in your child:
  • The skin around the hernia turns red or becomes darker than usual.
  • Your child experiences pain when touching the hernia.


The umbilical hernia operation in children is carried out in the following steps:

1. The child is given general anesthesia to sleep during the operation, and does not feel any pain.

2. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin and moves the intestine to its correct place.

3. The abdominal muscles are closed using sutures.

4. The external incision is closed with sutures and adhesive strips that fall off on their own within 7-10 days.





Have you noticed a swelling or bulge in your child's umbilical area? Feel free to visit  Pediatrics Department At Al-Ahli Hospital, you will find a medical team specialized in diagnosing children's problems and treating them with appropriate methods.



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