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Umbilical hernia – Epigastric hernia
Umbilical hernia – Epigastric hernia
What are an umbilical hernia and an epigastric hernia?
Umbilical and epigastric hernias are two common, benign conditions in children, caused by a small weakness in the abdominal wall.
- Umbilical hernia occurs at the navel: a small lump forms when the intestine passes through the umbilical ring, which has not completely closed after birth.
- Epigastric hernia, which is less common, is located slightly higher up, between the navel and the sternum: it occurs when a small mass of fatty tissue passes through an opening in the abdominal wall.
Umbilical hernias affect approximately one in five newborns, particularly babies with dark skin or premature babies. In most cases, they close spontaneously during the first few years of life.
Epigastric hernias, on the other hand, never close on their own.
These two conditions are generally harmless and painless. Most often, parents notice a small visible lump when the child cries, coughs or strains, which then disappears at rest.