Umbilical hernia is a normal crack in the side wall of the abdomen. Blood vessels go through it into the placenta and back. It is expected to close by the age of 4. Until then:
- Umbilical hernia does not hurt!
- There is no "golden rule" by which a child with an umbilical hernia should not cry at all.
- Attaching a coin tightly to the navel does not help.
- Putting a tight band-aid on the navel does not help.
If an umbilical hernia remains after 4 years of age, it must be operated regardless of its size, since in the future, during pregnancy in women and gaining weight in men, the hernia might expand and hold fat inside it, which is painful. In addition, the chances to correct it during childhood are better.
This tip was given courtesy of Prof. Rephael Udassin – Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery.