UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Pediatrics

Title: Umbilical Hernias

Posted: 7/8/2011 by Rose Chasm, MD
Click here to contact Rose Chasm, MD

occurs when the small opening in the abdominal muscles which allows passage of umbilical cord does not completley close after birth
allowing intestinal loops to pass through the opening
10% of all children are affected
more common in blacks, girls, and premature infants
most resolve by age 1year, but consider outpatient referral if becoming larger or still present after 2-3 years of age
emergent consultation if not reducible, but rarely as most are harmless