A hernia at the umbilicus (See hernia.). Hernias are a protrusion of tissue through an abnormal opening. Normally, the abdominal wall is formed by two sheets of muscle that run along both sides of the abdomen. When these sheets of muscle incompletely fuse, it permits part of the bowel to protrude up through the muscle sheets at the level of the umbilicus or belly button. As the infant grows, the muscle layers increase and gradually fuse eliminating the hernia. This is one of the few hernias which often resolves on its own. Occasionally, surgical correction is required.
The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
