UMBILICAL HERNIA IN CHILDREN
One of the most frequently consulted conditions in the pediatric surgery clinic is swelling in the belly buttons of babies. A swelling occurs in the belly, especially during straining such as crying or pooping, and this swelling disappears when the baby is sleeping or calm. Inguinal hernia, which can occur in almost 20% of all babies, is more common in small babies who were born prematurely.
What is Umbilical Hernia in Children?
Babies have an opening in the middle of the abdomen that allows the passage of the umbilical cord, which forms the connection between mother and baby. If this opening persists after the baby is born, the organs in the abdominal cavity will protrude through this opening. This swelling in the belly is called an umbilical hernia.
How is Umbilical Hernia in Children Detected?
It is often felt as soft under the skin. When pressed by hand, these organs easily retract into the navel. In fact, if you pay attention, the size of the hole can be easily understood with your fingertip. If the swelling does not get smaller when pressed by hand, if it is hard, painful, if the baby is restless, if there is abdominal distension in addition to the swelling in the belly, if the baby cannot defecate or pass gas, if the baby vomits green bile, these are all signs that the intestines are stuck in the hole in the navel.
This event, commonly known as "strangulated hernia," is very rare but is an emergency and requires immediate contact with a pediatric surgeon. Otherwise, an umbilical hernia does not require emergency intervention. It is accepted that the umbilical ring will close by the age of 4. There is no need for unnecessary approaches such as tying money to the belly.
When is Surgical Intervention Needed?
If it persists after the age of four, or if the diameter of the inner ring is larger than 1.5 cm when examined by a pediatric surgeon, surgical intervention is recommended, as it will not close on its own.
Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Umbilical hernia surgery is an outpatient surgery. On the day of surgery, the patient is admitted to the hospital, fasting. A small incision is made just below the umbilical cord, the wound is repaired, the incision is closed with absorbable stitches, and the patient is discharged home the same day. Four to five days later, the wound is checked for infection, and the problem is resolved.
What is an Epigastric Hernia?
Swellings that are not at the belly button but higher up in the midline, anywhere between the lower end of the rib cage and the belly button, should not be confused with an umbilical hernia. There is a small hole in the midline, and the abdominal organs (especially fatty tissue) protruding into this hole can get stuck and cause pain. Since this type of hernia, called "epigastric hernia", does not have an opening that will close on its own like the umbilical ring, there is no need to wait until the age of 4; it is recommended to have it surgically repaired at an appropriate time. The surgery is an outpatient surgery, just like the umbilical hernia.