Umbilical Hernia

Question 1

Types

Answer 1

True umbilical hernias- occur through the umbilical scar(usually se present at birth may close spontaneously up to age 3

Paraumbilical hernia- occur through the peri umbilical tissues (it is always acquired)

Question 2

Clinical presentation

Answer 2

Umbilical:

• small, centrally placed within the umbilicus
• often contains preperitoneal fat and rarely contains bowel/ omentum
• may be painful
• rarely strangulates

Paraumbilical:

• variable in size: up to moderate defects
• placed eccentrically and distorts the shape of the umbilicus
• may contain bowel/omentum
• often painful
• occasionally strangulates

Question 3

Treatment

Answer 3

Congenital umbilical hernias should only be repaired if they persist after the age of 3