UChicago Medicine Comer Children's

Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Image of an umbilical hernia

What is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia happens when the "belly button" or umbilicus sticks out from the abdomen. The hernia may grow and stick out more or begin to disappear as the child grows.

Ordinarily, the umbilical ring (muscle around the belly button) gradually closes after birth as the child matures and begins to walk. If the umbilical ring does not close completely, the intestines protrude into the umbilicus causing the hernia.

The hernia may be 1/2 inch or up to 2 inches in size. Umbilical hernias in infants usually close on their own by the age of 2 and the hernia can often be pushed in with a finger. This should be done by your child's doctor during a physical exam. If the umbilical hernia becomes hard or reddened and there is pain and tenderness, you should contact your child's doctor immediately. They may recommend surgery or additional treatment methods.  

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Why Choose Comer Children's for Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

Our pediatric surgeons are experts at performing umbilical hernia repair in babies. These procedures are done in a safe environment and our pediatric surgical care team work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible, for you and your baby. We are here to support you before, during and after the surgery. 

Risk Factors for Umbilical Hernias

Umbilical hernia is a common problem, with about one of every six infants having the condition. Babies born with low birth weight (less than three pounds) are more likely to have one, and African-American children are nine times more likely than Caucasian children to have umbilical hernias. It occurs equally among boys and girls.   
Image of a child recovering post umbilical hernia surgery

Frequently Asked Questions about Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Meet Our Pediatric General Surgeons

Under the expert clinical leadership of Grace Mak, MD, our team provides the highest level of pediatric surgical care for children of all ages.

Marielena Bachier-Rodriguez, MDMarielena Bachier-Rodriguez, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Marion Henry, MD, MPHMarion Henry, MD, MPH

Pediatric Surgery

Mubina Isani, MDMubina Isani, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Brian Jones, MDBrian Jones, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Jessica J. Kandel, MDJessica J. Kandel, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Charlotte Kvasnovsky, MDCharlotte Kvasnovsky, MD

Pediatric Surgery

 Thomas K. Lee, MD Thomas K. Lee, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Deborah Loeff, MDDeborah Loeff, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Grace Mak, MDGrace Mak, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Manish Raiji, MDManish Raiji, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Carmelle Romain, MDCarmelle Romain, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Kathryn Rowland, MD, MPHSKathryn Rowland, MD, MPHS

Pediatric Surgery

Baddr Shakhsheer, MDBaddr Shakhsheer, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Bethany Slater, MDBethany Slater, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Request a Pediatric Surgery Appointment

The information you provide will enable us to assist you as efficiently as possible. A representative will contact you within one to two business days to help you schedule an appointment. 

To speak to someone directly, please call 1-773-702-6169. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

 
For Referring Physicians

To refer or transfer a patient, call 877-UC-KID-MD (877-825-4363). 

 
By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.