Complications of an umbilical hernia in children

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Most umbilical hernias in children resolve on their own or are surgically corrected by 4 or 5 years of age.

Very rarely, complications of an umbilical hernia develop that require immediate surgery. These complications include:

Incarceration or strangulation, which is when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue becomes trapped in the hernia sac. If part of the intestine is trapped, stool may not be able to pass through, and the blood supply to the trapped loop of intestine may be cut off. This can lead to gangrene, which is death and decay of the trapped tissue.
Rupture, when the skin over the hernia breaks open, exposing the tissue inside the hernia sac. This is extremely rare.

Symptoms of an incarcerated or strangulated umbilical hernia may include:

Inability to push back (reduce) the contents of the hernia sac into the abdomen.
Abdominal swelling (distension).
Nausea and/or vomiting.
Crying and other evidence of pain.
The bulge increasing in size, either gradually or suddenly.
Red, tender, or firm skin over the hernia sac.

Credits

Author	Amy Fackler, MA
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Brad W. Warner, MD - Pediatric Surgery
Last Updated	February 15, 2006

Last updated:	February 15, 2006
Author:	Amy Fackler, MA
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Brad W. Warner, MD - Pediatric Surgery
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen

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