An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of the peritoneum and fluid,
omentum, or a portion of abdominal organ(s) through the umbilical
ring. The umbilical ring is the fibrous and muscle tissue around
the navel (belly-button). Small hernias usually close spontaneously
without treatment by age 1 or 2. Umbilical hernias are usually
painless and are common in infants.
Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
