What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia is when intestine, fat or fluid pushes through a weak spot near the stomach muscles creating a noticeable bulge.  Umbilical hernia’s are common in the countries where we work and can be fatal if left untreated as they can become incarcerated (trapped outside of the hernia wall) or strangulated (a section becomes pinched or twisted and cut off from the blood supply) causing nausea, vomiting and pain.  

These complications require emergency surgery.  However, because many of our patients don’t live near any medical facilities it is unlikely that if complications where to arise that they would reach the medical care they needed in time. 

Sometimes they close before on their own without treatment but if this hasn’t happened by the age of one or if the hernia is exceptionally large surgeons will operate. 

The operation takes under and hour and recovery is swift with most children able to return home the same day.