Treatment

Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own by age 1 or 2.Your doctor may even be able to push the bulge back into the abdomen during a physical exam. Don't try this on your own, however.

Although some people claim a hernia can be fixed by taping a coin down over the bulge, don't try this. Placing tape or an object over the bulge doesn't help and germs may accumulate under the tape, causing infection.

For children, surgery is typically reserved for umbilical hernias that:

• Are painful
• Are slightly larger than 1/4 to 3/4 inch (1 to 2 centimeters) in diameter
• Are large and don't decrease in size over the first two years of life
• Don't disappear by age 5
• Become trapped or block the intestine

For adults, surgery is typically recommended to avoid possible complications, especially if the umbilical hernia gets bigger or becomes painful.

During surgery, a small incision is made near the bellybutton. The herniated tissue is returned to the abdominal cavity, and the opening in the abdominal wall is stitched closed. In adults, surgeons often use mesh to help strengthen the abdominal wall.