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Complicated umbilical hernia in childhood
R A Brown1, A Numanoglu, H Rode
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town.
Summary
Complicated umbilical hernias in children are rare but serious, often presenting with pain and vomiting. Prompt surgical intervention is recommended for irreducible umbilical masses to prevent complications like bowel obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Umbilical hernias are common in pediatric populations.
- Complications associated with umbilical hernias are infrequently reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of complicated umbilical hernias in children.
- To identify risk factors for umbilical hernia complications.
- To review management strategies for complicated umbilical hernias.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of children requiring umbilical hernia repair for complications over 15 years.
- Exclusion of patients with para-umbilical and other ventral wall hernias.
- Data collection on symptoms, age, and radiological findings.
Main Results:
- 28 out of 389 (7%) children undergoing umbilical hernia repair had complications.
- Common symptoms included umbilical pain (100%), vomiting (71%), and constipation (28%).
- Radiological evidence of small-bowel obstruction was found in 11 children, and pica in 5; 2 patients required omentum resection.
Conclusions:
- Complicated umbilical hernias, though rare, present with significant symptoms like pain and vomiting.
- Prompt surgical repair is crucial for pediatric patients with localized abdominal pain or irreducible umbilical masses.
- Early surgical intervention can prevent serious complications such as bowel obstruction.
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