An umbilical hernia is an abnormal bulge that can be seen or felt over the belly button (the umbilicus). An umbilical hernia develops when a portion of the intestine, along with fat or fluid, bulges through the muscle of the abdominal wall. Discussion of treatment of this condition in children.

Many parents share the experience of curing an umbilical hernia by placing a coin in the umbilical region. But this practice is ineffective and there are no studies showing that using a coin will help children stop the umbilical hernia.

Ms. T.H, district 10, said that her son does not give birth prematurely but also has an umbilical hernia. From the time he was little, he often twisted, twisted and cried, so his belly button became bigger and bigger. When the baby was 6 months old, the condition did not improve even though she tried all sorts of ways such as using coins and umbilical bands ... small lemon. Worried about seeing a doctor many times, the doctor advised that after 2 years of age, the baby will not have to go through surgery. But fortunately, by now her 4-year-old child has returned to normal and does not need surgery.

Umbilical hernias are common, occurring in 10 percent to 20 percent of all children.

What is an umbilical hernia in children?

An umbilical hernia is an abnormal bulge that can be seen or felt at the umbilicus (belly button). This hernia develops when a portion of the lining of the abdomen, part of the intestine, and / or fluid from the abdomen, comes through the muscle of the abdominal wall.

 Umbilical hernias are common, occurring in 10 percent to 20 percent of all children. They are, however, more common in African-Americans.

 Low birth weight and premature infants are also more likely to have an umbilical hernia. Boys and girls are equally affected.

What causes an umbilical hernia in children?

Babies are born with an umbilical cord attached to the abdomen. This cord brings nutrients to the baby during the womb. The umbilical cord enters the body through a small hole in the abdominal wall muscle and is cut after the baby is born.

Within 1-2 weeks after birth, the umbilical cord gradually shrinks and falls away, the wound heals and forms the baby's umbilical cord.

The hole in the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord goes through will close itself as the baby grows. Umbilical hernia occurs when the abdominal muscles are not closed properly.

Signs of umbilical hernia
A circular mass emerges right at the navel position. You can see this bulge and feel it when you press it gently on the navel area. The hernia can enlarge when the baby cries, coughs, bends to go outside, or sits up. This block may shrink or disappear when your baby relaxes. Umbilical hernia usually does not cause pain.

Umbilical hernias in young children rarely cause complications. However, sometimes a segment of the intestinal loop may become trapped in the hernia and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. Less blood to the intestinal tract, causing pain in the umbilical region and damage to intestinal tissue. More severe, the intestinal segment may become blocked, completely do not receive blood, leading to necrosis. The infection can spread inside the abdomen, life threatening.

Seek medical attention immediately if you suddenly develop the following symptoms:

• Crying hard, or showing pain.
• Abdomen seems bigger, rounder, "fuller" than usual.
• The skin on the hernia becomes swollen and red.
• Fever.
• Vomit.
• Difficult to go out or not at all.
• There is blood in the stool.

How is the umbilical hernia treated?

Most doctors advise parents not to do anything because most cases will go away by the time the baby is 1 year old. As your baby gets older, the abdominal wall muscles become stronger and can close the abdominal wall opening. In some cases, hernias only disappear after 4-5 years. At the examination, your doctor can easily push the hernia into the abdomen, but you should not try to do this.

Previously, it was suggested that the use of duct tape on the hernia helped speed up the healing process. But research shows that the abdominal wall opening causes the hernia to close as fast as it does without the use of duct tape or coins.

Medical experts recommend that it is inappropriate to use duct tape, coins or compresses placed on the umbilical hernia to make it smaller. These methods can even worsen the situation, such as causing an infection or preventing blood flow to the organization within the hernia.

Surgery is usually indicated for very large and painful cases of hernia, or:

• Growing up when your baby is 1 or 2 years old.
• Does not go away when your baby is 4.
• Stuffy.
• During surgery, the doctor will make a small incision in the navel leg.

Hours of Operation of City International Hospital

From April 15, 2020, City International Hospital adjusts the examination time as follows:

Medical examination during office hours:

• Outpatient clinics are available from Monday morning to Saturday morning (7:00 - 12:00). No afternoon service
• To make an appointment: (028) 6280 3333. Extension 0.

Medical examination after hours:

Please come to our Emergency Department.

• Hours of operation: 24/7
• Emergency call (028) 6290 1155.

The Remote Medical Consultation Service (via Phone, Viber, Zalo, Messenger)

• You can schedule an appointment on (028) 6280 3333 ext. 0

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: 

City International Hospital

• Address: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan Dist. (Next to AEON Mall Binh Tan). Ho Chi Minh City.
• Operator: (+8428) 6280 3333, ext. 0
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General disclaimer

 Always consult your doctor regarding any concern about your health. Your doctor will be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice. For suspected undesirable drug reaction and seek medical attention immediately