Umbilical Hernia
What is an umbilical hernia?
About the operation
After the operation
When to call the doctor
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when a baby's abdominal wall doesn't completely close before birth, causing a small piece of bowel or fat under the skin, often referred to as the sac, to stick out. Many people call this an "outie" bellybutton. Sometimes a child with an umbilical hernia will complain of pain around this area. A smaller umbilical hernia will often close on its own by the time a child is about 5 years old, but if it doesn't, the child will need surgery to fix the hernia.
About the operation
Umbilical hernia repairs are usually done on an outpatient basis or "day surgery," which means your child will go to the hospital and go home the day of surgery. She'll be asleep under general anesthesia during the procedure.
The surgeon will make a small curved (smile-like) incision under your child's bellybutton (also called an umbilicus). He'll repair and close the hernia with stitches that dissolve. You won't be able to see these stitches, because they're under the skin. The doctor will cover the incision with temporary glue called DERMABOND.
After the operation
Your child will go to the recovery room to wake up. When your child is awake and able to drink, and the pain is well managed, he'll be allowed to go home. Your child can restart his regular diet as soon as he feels able.
The incision will be covered with DERMABOND; it is waterproof. This dressing will start to peel off on its own after seven days. Your child will probably have some swelling around her bellybutton, but this is normal; the bellybutton should start to look "normal" over the next few weeks to months.
Talk to your child's doctor about when to schedule a follow-up appointment, usually three weeks after surgery.
When to call the doctor
Be sure to call your child's doctor (at Children's Hospital, you should call 215-590-2730) if:
- Your child shows any signs of infection, including:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Drainage
- Redness around the site
- Your child has a fever greater than 101 degrees F under the arm or 102 degrees F rectally
- You have any questions or concerns
Reviewed by: Surgical Advanced Practice Nurses
Date: November 2008
Contact Us
- 215-590-2730
- Contact Us Online
- Request an Appointment