Umbilical hernia template (paediatrics)

Thank you for asking me to see Emily Johnson regarding a protruding umbilical hernia. The defect is about 1.5 cm, and there is protrusion of the skin. The bowel is easily reducible. The hernia is asymptomatic, and there is a bulge. The decision to operate is based on the size of the defect, symptoms and potential annoyance of the bulge appearance. It is easier to repair during childhood, however the likelihood for significant problems is very low. We discussed the operation: day procedure, general anaesthetic, incision under the umbilicus and repair of the hernia with dissolvable sutures. No mesh is required. Risks are infrequent and include recurrence, bleeding, infection, swelling and bruising. Bathing can resume the day after the procedure, daycare / school after a few days, swimming after a week and sports after 2-3 weeks. RECOMMENDATION - Operate After a good discussion, we have decided to go ahead with surgery. The family will arrange a convenient time, and arrange a booking with the team. In the meantime, we discussed red flags such as irreducibility, tenderness, redness and vomiting; to present to the emergency department without feeding prior to attending. Further information can be found here. https://betterkids.com.au/project/umbilical-hernia/ Thanks again for your referral.