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[Umbilical hernia in children]

Smiljana Marinković1, Svetlana Bukarica

  • 1Mediciniski fakultet, Institut za zdravstvenu zastitu dece i omladine Klinika za decju hirurgiju, Novi Sad. scorpia@Eunet.yu

Medicinski Pregled
|October 21, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric umbilical hernias are common and usually resolve spontaneously. Surgical repair is recommended for hernias larger than 1 cm or those persisting until age 3-4 years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Developmental Biology
  • Abdominal Wall Defects

Context:

  • Umbilical hernia is a frequent condition in infants and children, resulting from incomplete closure of the umbilical ring.
  • The incidence varies, particularly in the white population, ranging from 1.9% to 18.5%.

Purpose:

  • To review the embryology, clinical presentation, and management of pediatric umbilical hernias.
  • To outline the natural history and indications for intervention in cases of umbilical hernia.

Summary:

  • Most pediatric umbilical hernias are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without intervention.
  • Observation is appropriate for most cases, with surgical repair considered for defects exceeding 1 cm or persistent beyond 3-4 years of age.
  • Complications like incarceration and strangulation are rare, as is rupture with evisceration.

Impact:

  • Provides guidance on the appropriate management of pediatric umbilical hernias, emphasizing conservative approaches for most cases.
  • Highlights the low complication rate and favorable natural history of typical umbilical hernias in children.
  • Informs clinical decision-making regarding surgical intervention thresholds for persistent or large umbilical hernias.
Abstract

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