A soft swelling at the umbilicus due to protrusion of the abdominal contents through a weak area of abdominal wall. Umbilical hernias are quite common in newborn babies and occur twice as often in boys as in girls. The swelling increases in size when the baby cries, and it may cause discomfort. Umbilical hernias usually disappear without treatment by age 2. If a hernia is still present at age 4, surgery may be needed. Umbilical hernias sometimes develop in adults, especially in women after childbirth. Surgery may be necessary for a large, persistent, or disfiguring hernia.
Umbilical hernia |
|
|