Umbilical hernia

Treatment:

Usually, no treatment is required unless the defect persists past the age of 2 years. In rare cases, bowel tissue becomes strangulated (lack of blood flow to a section of bowel) and surgery must be performed immediately.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most umbilical hernias resolve without treatment by 2 years of age. Those that persist, are usually successfully treated by surgery.

Complications:

Strangulation of bowel tissue is serious, and requires immediate surgery (rare).

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if abdominal pain develops in an infant with an umbilical hernia, or if the hernia becomes tender, swollen, or discolored; particularly if signs of peritonitis or shock also develop.