Surgical repair of umbilical hernia is one of the most common elective surgeries in children. Our department has extensive experience with these procedures. Umbilical hernia in children appears as a protrusion from the belly button and is usually detected in the early weeks of life. Sometimes, it is only visible when the baby cries or strains (increased intra-abdominal pressure). In other cases, it may be discovered at a later age.
An umbilical hernia after birth is often considered a "nearly normal" condition and does not usually require any intervention since it often resolves on its own. You are welcome to come to our clinic for an assessment, and in most cases, we will reassure you that it is a common and frequent occurrence that does not require special treatment.
Children with umbilical hernia are allowed to lie on their stomachs, crawl, and there is no need to place any coin, neither a shekel nor a five-shekel coin...
In the majority of cases, the hernia will close on its own by the age of four. Surgery may be necessary if it does not close by this age, as the likelihood of spontaneous closure depends on the child's age and the size of the hernia. If your child is over the age of four and has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, you will be referred for surgery.