Umbilical hernia - when to treat?

Most umbilical hernias before the age of 6 mo disappear spontaneously by the first birthday. Even large hernias (5–6 cm in all dimensions) have been documented to disappear spontaneously by 5–6 yr of age. Strapping is ineffective and strangulation is very rare.

Surgery is indicated if the hernia persists to the age of 4–5 yr, causes symptoms, becomes strangulated, or becomes progressively larger after the age of 1–2 yr. Defects exceeding 2 cm are less likely to close spontaneously.