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Umbilical Hernia in Babies — Treatment in Bhopal

When to Watch, When to Act | Expert Surgeon + Paediatrician at R.K. Hospital

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Consult Doctor: 0755-4260605About Hernia

What Is Umbilical Hernia in Babies? (Bachchon Ki Nabhi Ki Hernia)

An umbilical hernia is a soft bulge or swelling near the baby's belly button (nabhi). It occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle wall near the umbilical ring — the opening through which the umbilical cord passed before birth. This opening normally closes shortly after birth, but in some babies, the muscles do not fully close, resulting in a hernia.

Umbilical hernia is one of the most common conditions in newborns and infants, affecting approximately 10-20% of all babies. It is more common in premature babies, low birth weight babies, and African-American infants. The hernia typically appears as a soft bulge that becomes more prominent when the baby cries, coughs, strains, or sits up, and may flatten when the baby is calm or lying down.

The good news: Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own by age 4-5 years as the abdominal muscles grow stronger. Surgery is needed only in specific situations, and when required, it is a simple, safe procedure with excellent outcomes.

Watchful Waiting vs. Surgery — When Is Each Appropriate?

Watchful Waiting (Most Cases)

  • ✓Child is under 4-5 years old
  • ✓Hernia opening is less than 2 cm
  • ✓Hernia reduces (goes back in) easily
  • ✓No pain, redness, or discolouration
  • ✓Hernia seems to be getting smaller
  • ✓80-90% close naturally by age 4-5

Surgery Needed

  • ✗Not closed by age 4-5 years
  • ✗Hernia opening is larger than 2 cm
  • ✗Hernia is getting bigger, not smaller
  • ✗Hernia becomes hard, painful, or discoloured
  • ✗Cannot be pushed back (incarcerated) — EMERGENCY
  • ✗Baby has vomiting with hernia bulge — EMERGENCY

Common Myths About Umbilical Hernia in Babies

Myth: Tying a coin or band on the nabhi will cure the hernia

Truth: There is zero scientific evidence for this. External pressure does not help the muscle opening close. It can cause skin irritation and infection. The hernia either closes naturally or needs surgery.

Myth: The hernia is caused by cutting the umbilical cord wrong

Truth: Umbilical hernia has nothing to do with how the cord was cut. It occurs because the abdominal muscle opening does not close completely after birth. It is a developmental condition, not caused by any external factor.

Myth: Baby should not cry or it will make the hernia worse

Truth: Crying makes the hernia bulge more visible but does not make the condition worse. The hernia size depends on the muscle opening, not how much the baby cries. Let your baby cry naturally.

Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Babies at R.K. Hospital

When surgery is needed, umbilical hernia repair is a simple, safe, and highly effective procedure. At R.K. Hospital, the surgery is performed by Dr. Rajesh Kanungo (MBBS, MS, FIAGES, FMAS, FALS, DLS France) with support from Dr. K.G. Malviya (MBBS, MD), our paediatrician, who ensures the child's overall health and provides pre and post-operative paediatric care.

  • Procedure: A small (2-3 cm) incision is made just below the belly button. The hernia contents are pushed back, and the muscle opening is closed with stitches.
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia (the child sleeps through the procedure). Our anaesthesiologists ensure complete safety.
  • Duration: 30-45 minutes.
  • Hospital stay: Usually same-day discharge or overnight stay.
  • Recovery: Children recover quickly. Normal activities resume in about a week. No heavy lifting or rough play for 2-3 weeks.
  • Success rate: Over 99%. Recurrence is very rare.

Your Child's Care Team

Dr. Rajesh Kanungo

MBBS, MS, FIAGES, FMAS, FALS, DLS France

Senior Surgeon & Director. 34 years experience. Performs hernia repair surgery in children and adults. Expert in both open and laparoscopic techniques.

Dr. K.G. Malviya

MBBS, MD (Paediatrics)

Consultant Paediatrician. Evaluates children's overall health, provides pre and post-operative paediatric care, and monitors recovery.

Related Information

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Frequently Asked Questions — Umbilical Hernia in Babies

Is umbilical hernia in babies dangerous?▾
In most cases, umbilical hernia in babies is not dangerous. It is very common, affecting approximately 10-20% of infants. The hernia appears as a soft bulge near the belly button (nabhi) when the baby cries, coughs, or strains. Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 4-5 years as the abdominal muscles strengthen. However, in rare cases, the hernia can become incarcerated (trapped), which is an emergency. If the bulge becomes hard, changes color, or the baby seems in severe pain and is vomiting, seek immediate medical attention at R.K. Hospital.
When does umbilical hernia in a baby need surgery?▾
Surgery is recommended when: (1) The hernia has not closed by age 4-5 years, (2) The hernia is getting larger instead of smaller, (3) The hernia opening is larger than 2 cm in diameter, (4) The hernia becomes incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated - this is an emergency, (5) The hernia causes persistent pain or discomfort. Dr. Rajesh Kanungo at R.K. Hospital will examine your child and advise whether surgery is needed or watchful waiting is appropriate.
What doctor treats umbilical hernia in babies at R.K. Hospital?▾
Umbilical hernia in babies is treated jointly by Dr. Rajesh Kanungo (MBBS, MS, FIAGES, FMAS, FALS, DLS France), our Senior Surgeon with 34 years experience, and Dr. K.G. Malviya (MBBS, MD), our Paediatrics consultant. The paediatrician evaluates the child overall health, and the surgeon performs the hernia repair if surgery is needed. This collaborative approach ensures the best care for your child.
How is umbilical hernia surgery done in babies?▾
Umbilical hernia repair in children is a simple, safe surgery. A small incision is made below the belly button. The hernia sac is pushed back inside, and the abdominal muscle opening is closed with stitches. The procedure takes about 30-45 minutes under general anesthesia. Most children go home the same day or the next morning. Recovery is quick - children usually resume normal activities within a week. The success rate is over 99% with very low recurrence.
Will tying a coin or belt on the nabhi cure umbilical hernia?▾
No, tying a coin, belt, or band on the baby navel (nabhi) does NOT cure umbilical hernia. This is a common myth. There is no scientific evidence that external pressure helps the hernia close faster. In fact, it can cause skin irritation and infection. The hernia either closes naturally as the child grows (most common), or it requires surgical repair. Please consult a doctor instead of relying on home remedies.
Is umbilical hernia surgery in babies covered by insurance?▾
Yes, umbilical hernia surgery in children is covered by most health insurance policies at R.K. Hospital. We accept 34+ insurance companies for cashless treatment. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) cardholders can get the surgery done completely free. Bring your insurance documents and our help desk will verify coverage. Call 0755-4260605 for details.

Concerned About Your Baby's Umbilical Hernia?

Get expert evaluation at R.K. Hospital, Bhopal

Experienced surgeon + paediatrician. Honest advice on whether to watch or operate.

Call 0755-4260605

226, C-Sector, Indrapuri, Raisen Road, Bhopal (M.P.) 462022

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