An umbilical hernia in an infant appears as a soft bulge around the belly button. This common occurrence often prompts parents to wonder if umbilical hernia belts are a safe or effective option for their babies. Understanding the nature of these hernias and the medical perspective on interventions can help address these concerns.
Understanding Umbilical Hernias in Infants
An umbilical hernia develops when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the muscles near the navel. This opening, the umbilical ring, allows the umbilical cord to pass through during pregnancy. After birth, this ring usually closes naturally; if it does not completely seal, a hernia can form.
The bulge may become more noticeable when the baby cries, coughs, or strains. Umbilical hernias are common, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of newborns, and are more frequently observed in premature or low-birth-weight infants. These hernias are generally harmless and typically resolve without intervention.
The Role of Umbilical Hernia Belts
Umbilical hernia belts are external devices designed to apply pressure over the hernia. They typically consist of a band worn around the baby’s abdomen, often with a padded insert that sits directly over the umbilical bulge. The intended purpose is to hold the protruding tissue back within the abdominal cavity. Proponents suggest that maintaining constant pressure might encourage the umbilical ring to close or prevent the hernia from enlarging.
Medical Consensus on Belts
Medical organizations generally do not recommend umbilical hernia belts for infants. There is a lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in promoting hernia closure or preventing complications. Studies have not shown these belts accelerate natural healing or improve overall closure rates.
Furthermore, using these belts introduces potential risks. Skin irritation, rashes, or infections can occur due to moisture trapped beneath the belt or constant friction. In rare but serious instances, improper application or excessive pressure could lead to complications like bowel strangulation. Placing objects like coins under tape, a historical practice, is particularly discouraged due to infection risk.
Effective Management and Treatment Options
The primary approach to managing umbilical hernias in infants is watchful waiting, as most resolve spontaneously. More than 90% of pediatric umbilical hernias close on their own, often by the time a child reaches 2 years of age, and certainly by 4 or 5 years.
Parents should monitor the hernia for any changes and seek medical attention if specific symptoms develop. These signs include the hernia becoming painful, tender, swollen, discolored, or if the baby experiences vomiting, constipation, or increased irritability.
Surgical intervention is considered if the hernia does not close by 4 or 5 years of age, is unusually large, or causes symptoms. Surgery is also necessary in the rare event of incarceration, where the hernia becomes trapped and cannot be gently pushed back, or strangulation, which involves a compromised blood supply to the trapped tissue.
The surgical procedure is typically a day surgery performed under general anesthesia, involving a small incision near the navel to reposition the tissue and close the opening in the abdominal wall with stitches. This procedure has a low complication rate, and most children recover quickly.