Spontaneous rupture of a congenital umbilical hernia in an infant: A rare complication

Publication date: April 2014 Source:Formosan Journal of Surgery, Volume 47, Issue 2 Author(s): Rahul Gupta , Tariq Ahmed Mala , Atul Gupta , Lila Dhar Agrawal , Arun Kumar Gupta , Avinash Suhkdev Jadhav Umbilical hernia is not uncommon in children. Most of these hernias close spontaneously as the children grow; they are often remarkably free from complications. Although this did not affect the accepted principles of management of umbilical hernia, we feel that this case of spontaneous rupture is worth reporting because of the severity of the evisceration of the small intestines in a 45-day-old female infant. The presence of discoloration, ulceration, or a rapid increase in the size of the umbilical hernia signals impending rupture, particularly in cases of large umbilical hernias with small fascial defects. The physicians and parents should be informed about these warning signs and immediately consult a pediatric surgeon for a timely intervention.
Source: Formosan Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research