A 1-month-old infant presents to your office with an umbilical hernia. It is reducible but prolapses again almost immediately. It is TRUE that this defect
The umbilical hernia is the only hernia universally present at birth due to the need for umbilical cord patency up to that instant. After birth, the vast majority of umbilical hernias close by age 3-5 years. The risk of incarceration is low and repair is usually reserved for children older than 3-5 years of age or those with a fascial defect >1-2 cm in diameter.
Is present in all children at birth
Will not close spontaneously
Should be repaired if still present at 3 months of age
Should be repaired at this time if it is >1 cm in diameter
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery