When Is the Best Time to Repair Umbilical Hernias?

After children turn 4 years old and before they turn 10, per a retrospective analysis

Although many umbilical hernias close spontaneously, for those that persist, the preferred timing of surgical repair is unknown. In a retrospective cohort study, researchers ascertained rates of recurrence of umbilical hernia and unplanned hospital revisits within 30 days using inpatient database records of approximately 9800 children undergoing surgical umbilical hernia repair. They also examined demographic and clinical factors associated with these outcomes. Results were as follows:

Sixty-one percent of patients were aged 4 to 10 years, 28% were aged <4 years, and 11% were aged >10 years.
Umbilical hernias recurred within 3 years in 0.6% of all patients; recurrence risk was greater in children aged <4 years (hazard ratio, 2.1) and children…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

When Is the Best Time to Repair Umbilical Hernias?

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Reviewing Author