Umbilical (Bellybutton) Hernia

Before birth, the umbilical cord passes through a gap in the muscles of the abdominal wall. After birth this gap normally closes over as the muscles grow together. When the gap stays open a small amount of bowel or fatty tissue can push through, producing a soft bulge at the bellybutton that is most noticeable when your child cries, coughs or strains.

Umbilical hernias are very common in babies. They are usually painless, easily pushed back in, and rarely cause problems. Having a hernia does not mean anything was done wrong during pregnancy, birth or care of the cord stump.

In most children, yes. The gap in the muscle gradually narrows and most umbilical hernias close by themselves during the first few years of life, with no treatment at all. Taping or strapping coins over the bellybutton does not help and can irritate the skin, so it is not recommended.

Because of this natural tendency to close, repair is generally deferred until around three to five years of age. Surgery may be considered earlier if the hernia is unusually large, is enlarging, causes pain, or in the rare event that tissue becomes trapped in the opening. Your child's surgeon will monitor the hernia and advise on the right timing.

Umbilical hernia repair is performed under a general anaesthetic as day surgery, with local anaesthetic added to keep your child comfortable on waking.

A small curved incision is made in the natural fold just below or above the bellybutton, so the scar is hidden within it. The contents of the hernia are gently returned to the abdomen and the gap in the muscle is closed with strong stitches. Mesh is not needed in children. The bellybutton is reshaped if required and the skin is closed with dissolving stitches. A firm dressing is often applied for a few days to support the area.

Children are usually back to gentle play within a day or two and need only simple pain relief. Some bruising and a firm feeling around the bellybutton are normal and soften over several weeks.

Keep the dressing dry until the team advises it can be removed, after which bathing is fine. Avoid rough play, climbing and contact sport for around two weeks. Contact the team if there is fever, increasing redness, discharge from the wound, or a lump reappears. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to check that the wound has healed well.