Is umbilical hernia surgery safe for kids?

Umbilical hernia surgery for children is a short, safe procedure that has good results. After umbilical hernia repair, your child will be back to their regular activities within a few days.

How is an umbilical hernia treated in children?

How Are Umbilical Hernias Treated?

Give anesthesia so the child sleeps through the procedure and won’t feel any pain.
Make a small incision (cut) in the skin.
Move the intestine back into place.
Close the hole or weak spot in the muscle with stitches.

When does a child need an umbilical hernia surgery?

If a hernia has not closed by the time your child is 5 years old, your child probably will need surgery to close it. You may want your child to have surgery before he or she is age 5 if: The hernia is large and has not shown any signs of closing by age 2. The way the hernia looks bothers you or your child.

Can a 6 year old get a hernia?

A hernia is a bulge of tissue that protrudes through the muscle. Children who have hernias are often born with them, though they may not be noticeable right away. The areas around the groin and belly button are the most common areas for hernias in babies and young children.

Is umbilical hernia surgery major or minor?

Is umbilical hernia repair major surgery? An umbilical hernia repair is a relatively routine surgery and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Is umbilical hernia surgery painful?

An umbilical hernia surgery is not painful because the procedure is performed under anesthesia. During recovery there might be pain, which can be managed with painkillers.

How long is umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia repair is a fairly quick and simple operation. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes and it’s usually possible to go home on the same day. However, some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or if they live alone.

Does a small umbilical hernia need surgery?

Umbilical hernias in newborns will almost always heal without surgery. However, your doctor may recommend surgery if: the hernia hasn’t gone away by age 3 or 4. the hernia is causing pain or restricted blood flow.

What is the procedure to repair an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia repair surgery is performed in two different ways: open hernia repair or laparoscopic hernia repair. During a conventional open hernia repair, the surgeon makes an incision near your belly button to access the hernia over the bulge site.

How long is recovery time after hernia repair surgery?

Recovery from hernia mesh surgery can take four to six weeks. Tips to improve recovery from hernia surgery include resting, exercising, eating healthy and following the doctor’s orders. Patients should wait 24 hours after the procedure before showering. Between one and four days after surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions.

How long does it take for umbilical hernia surgery to heal?

Your doctor will give you pain relieving medications and instructions to keep your stitches clean and dry. They’ll schedule a follow-up appointment within a couple weeks to assess your healing. Most people can return to their full range of activities within a few weeks after surgery.

What are the complications of umbilical hernia?

Complications. For children, complications of an umbilical hernia are rare. Complications can occur when the protruding abdominal tissue becomes trapped (incarcerated) and can no longer be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This reduces the blood supply to the section of trapped intestine and can lead to umbilical pain and tissue damage.