171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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What is an umbilical hernia and what causes one?
A hernia is a small opening in the abdominal wall through which abdominal contents, such as intestine, can slip through. It is often described as a "bubble" or "bump" under the child's skin at the umbilicus.
Children are born with umbilical hernias, boys and girls alike. If the hernia is small enough, we have learned that they will close up on their own and the child does not require surgical intervention. The standard of care is to observe the umbilical hernia if it is smaller than about 2 cm (varies per patient) until the age of 4 years old. After the age of 4, we are able to take the child to surgery to fix the umbilical hernia.
What happens during surgery?
Once your child is in the Operating room, the Anesthesiologist puts them to sleep using a gas mask (with scent of your child's choice). Once asleep your child is kept asleep by gas and IV anesthetics and the anesthesiologist monitors them during the entire operation.
The Operation:
- A small incision, or cut, is made in the lower skin fold of the umbilicus.
- The muscle wall is brought together or, reapproximated, and is then closed with stitches.
- The surgical incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and a simple dressing (band-aid like) is placed. There is no need for any special wound care. DRESSING IS TO BE KEPT CLEAN, DRY AND INPLACE FOR 5 DAYS.
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