Available At: Motherhood Hospitals – Banashankari, HRBR, Kharadi | Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital – Sector 44, Chandigarh
It is natural for parents to feel anxious when they see an outward protrusion around their child’s belly button area. However, in most cases umbilical hernia closes on its own by the age of three. Only if the hernia does not subside or causes discomfort or pain for the child, your pediatric surgeon may suggest surgical repair of umbilical hernia.
So, what is umbilical hernia?
Understanding the bulge around the belly button
When a portion of the intestine protrudes out from a weak area in the abdomen wall around the belly button it is called an umbilical hernia. Pediatric umbilical hernia is physically evident as a bulge around the belly button. It can become bigger when your child does any activity that puts pressure around the abdomen and may become smaller when your child is more relaxed or sleeping.
Medical diagnosis of umbilical hernia
How doctors confirm the condition
Typically, umbilical hernia occurs in newborns and in children upto the age of 6 months. However, older children and adults can also be diagnosed with this condition. Usually your child’s pediatrician can confirm an umbilical hernia condition through a physical examination. Sometimes, the doctor may require an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis or extent of hernia.
Pediatric umbilical hernia repair
When surgery becomes the right choice
Although most pediatric hernias close by themselves by the age of three, some hernias may grow bigger and also cause discomfort for the child. While there is no specific pediatric umbilical hernia repair age, the doctor may suggest umbilical hernia repair if the intestine is incarcerated or stuck in the abdomen wall or the hernia does not close by the time your child is 3-4 years. Parents may also desire umbilical hernia repair for cosmetic reasons. So, when it comes to how to repair umbilical hernia, surgery is the only treatment option for pediatric umbilical hernia repair.
Types of pediatric umbilical hernia repair
Open umbilical hernia repair: In this method, the doctor will make an incision around the inner edge of the umbilicus and stitch or suture the abdomen wall opening.
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair: Involves the use of a laparoscope and surgical tools to repair the hernia. Usually, lap umbilical hernia repair is preferred by doctors because of faster patient recoveries and smaller scars compared to open surgeries. However, your doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment option depending on the patient’s medical history and extent of the hernia.
Mayo repair umbilical hernia: This is a surgical method of repairing umbilical hernias by overlapping the two edges of the abdomen wall opening and suturing them together. Generally this treatment option is suggested for small umbilical hernia repairs.
Why consider Motherhood Hospitals for pediatric umbilical Hernia surgery?
Gentle surgical care for your child’s comfort
At Motherhood hospitals we follow guided and well planned umbilical hernia repair steps to ensure least pain and discomfort for your child during and after the procedure. Our pediatric surgeons are highly experienced ensuring the best patient care. We have state of the art facilities and advanced techniques to perform hernia surgery for kids. Schedule your appointment with us today and experience world class, compassionate care for your child.
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