Repair of umbilical hernias in children

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Definition

What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is caused by a weak spot in the muscle layer of the abdominal wall, just behind the umbilicus (belly button). Naturally, umbilical hernias arise from birth when the umbicular duct fails to close. Usually, the hernia will close before the baby is born, but as many as 1 in 5 babies born prematurely (after 37 weeks) still have an umbilical hernia. If you have a hernia, your child will experience swelling, especially when they cry or stretch. Hernia disease should not be taken lightly because it can cause disruption of organs in the stomach such as the intestines and obstruction of blood supply due to squeezing (strangulated hernia). This problem will arise when the child is an adult.

What are the benefits of umbilical hernia repair surgery?

The hernia will disappear soon. Surgery can be a solution to prevent serious complications that can be caused by this disease as an adult.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before my child has surgery to repair an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias in children younger than 1 year will tend to close spontaneously (heal on their own). However, if the hernia is still open when the child is 3 years old, the hernia must be treated through surgery. The hernia has the potential to reappear.

Process

What should I do before my child has surgery?

In the preparation stage for surgery, make sure you tell the doctor about the child's health condition, any medications that are being consumed, or any allergies the child has. The anesthetist will explain the anesthesia procedure and give further instructions. Follow all doctor's instructions including prohibition of eating and drinking before surgery. In general, children are required to fast for six hours before the surgery is carried out. However, the child may be allowed to consume drinks such as coffee a few hours before surgery.

What is the process of repairing an umbilical hernia?

The surgery to treat hernias is done under general anesthesia. The operation process usually takes about 60 minutes. The surgeon will make a small incision around the navel area. The weak points in the muscle walls are covered by several layers of strong sutures.

What should I do after my child has had umbilical hernia repair surgery?

After undergoing surgery, the child is allowed to go home on the same day. Usually, children need a week of recovery time before returning to school. However, for 6 weeks, children should not do strenuous exercise. Most of the children showed good progress during their recovery period.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Every surgical procedure has its own risks. The surgeon will explain all kinds of risks that may occur to children after surgery. Common complications that can occur after surgery include unexpected post-anesthesia effects, excessive bleeding, or spreading blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).

For this hernia surgery, complications that can occur are:

swelling appears under the surgical wound

injury to structures in the stomach

the surgery scar looks bad

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.