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<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeDecisionPoint HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a>Decision Point</p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Umbilical Hernia: Should My Child Have Surgery?</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwDpPrinter" id="HwDpPrinter"> </div><p class="HwDecisionPointDisclaimer">You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.</p><div id="HwDecisionPoint"><div class="HwDecisionPointHeadline"><h2>Umbilical Hernia: Should My Child Have Surgery?</h2></div><div id="HwDecisionPointBody"><div id="HwSections"><table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td><div class="HwSectionTab HwSectionTabLink" id="HwGetTheFactsTab"><div><h2 class="HwSectionTabNumber">1</h2><p>Get the<br>Facts</p></div></div></td><td><div class="HwSectionTab HwSectionTabLink" id="HwCompareOptionsTab"><div><h2 class="HwSectionTabNumber">2</h2><p>Compare<br>Options</p></div></div></td><td><div class="HwSectionTab HwSectionTabLink" id="HwYourFeelingsTab"><div><h2 class="HwSectionTabNumber">3</h2><p>Your<br>Feelings</p></div></div></td><td><div class="HwSectionTab HwSectionTabLink" id="HwYourDecisionTab"><div><h2 class="HwSectionTabNumber">4</h2><p>Your<br>Decision</p></div></div></td><td><div class="HwSectionTab HwSectionTabLink" id="HwQuizYourselfTab"><div><h2 class="HwSectionTabNumber">5</h2><p>Quiz<br>Yourself</p></div></div></td><td><div class="HwSectionTab HwSectionTabLink" id="HwYourSummaryTab"><div><h2 class="HwSectionTabNumber">6</h2><p>Your Summary</p></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="HwTabSection" id="HwGetTheFacts"><h3 class="HwSectionTitle HwFocusStop">Get the facts</h3><div class="HwSectionSeperator"> </div><div class="HwDecisionPointContent"><div id="HwYourOptions"> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle">Your options</h3> <ul> <li>Schedule surgery to fix the hernia. </li> <li>Wait and see if the hernia closes on its own.</li> </ul> </div><div id="HwKeyPoints"> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle">Key points to remember</h3> <ul> <li>There is a good chance that your child's umbilical hernia will close on its own. Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age.<sup class="Reference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="ue5476-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="ue5476" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">footnote </span>1</a></sup></li> <li>Your child may need surgery if the hernia is very large or if a hernia of any size has not gone away by age 5.</li> <li>You may choose to have surgery for personal reasons. If the hernia looks odd or bothers your child, it can be fixed with surgery before age 5.</li> <li>Umbilical hernias usually do not cause a health problem. Rare problems include part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac.</li> </ul> </div><div id="HwFAQs"><div class="HwFAQsTitle">FAQs</div> <div class="HwFAQ"> <h3 class="HwFAQBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)"><span class="HwFAQQuestion">What is an umbilical hernia?</span></a></h3> <div class="HwFAQContent"><div class="HwFAQAnswer"> <p>An umbilical hernia is a bulge near the belly button, or navel. The hernia has a sac that may hold some intestine, fat, or fluid. These tissues may bulge through an opening or a weak spot in the stomach muscles. This weak spot forms when muscle and other tissue around the <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stu3167" data-hw-section="stu3167-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stu3167" data-hwid="stu3167" hw:section-href="stu3167-sec" href="?id=stu3167#stu3167-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">umbilical cord</span></a> do not close properly.</p> <p>About 1 or 2 babies out of 10 have an umbilical hernia.<sup class="Reference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="abg6325-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="abg6325" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">footnote </span>2</a></sup> It mostly occurs in babies who have a low birth weight and those who were born early. </p> <p>Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age. But some children get or still have an umbilical hernia when they are infants or toddlers.</p> <p>Umbilical hernias almost always close on their own as a child grows. But sometimes surgery is needed.</p> <p>A hernia doesn't hurt. A hernia poses no risks except if rare problems occur, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150753" data-hw-section="sti150753-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150753" data-hwid="sti150753" hw:section-href="sti150753-sec" href="?id=sti150753#sti150753-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">incarcerated hernia</span></a>).</p> </div></div> </div> <div class="HwFAQ"> <h3 class="HwFAQBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)"><span class="HwFAQQuestion">What happens in surgery for an umbilical hernia?</span></a></h3> <div class="HwFAQContent"><div class="HwFAQAnswer"> <p> During the surgery, the doctor makes a small cut, or incision, just below the navel. Any tissue that bulges into the hernia sac is pushed back inside the belly. The muscles and tissues around the navel are repaired, and the cut is closed with stitches. Usually there is only a small scar inside the navel.</p> <p>This surgery has few risks.</p> <p>Children who have surgery to repair a very large hernia may end up with a navel that doesn't look normal. But most of the time, a surgeon can fix this.</p> </div></div> </div> <div class="HwFAQ"> <h3 class="HwFAQBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)"><span class="HwFAQQuestion">Why might your doctor recommend surgery?</span></a></h3> <div class="HwFAQContent"><div class="HwFAQAnswer"> <p>Most umbilical hernias heal on their own, but your doctor may recommend surgery if:</p> <ul> <li>Your child's hernia is very large. Hernias that measure <span class="Measurement">0.6 in. (2 cm)</span> wide or larger are less likely to close on their own.<sup class="Reference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="ue5476-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="ue5476" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">footnote </span>1</a></sup></li> <li>The hernia starts after 6 months of age or gets much bigger after 1 to 2 years of age.<sup class="Reference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="ue5476-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="ue5476" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">footnote </span>1</a></sup></li> <li>Your child has pain, a swollen belly, or other signs of a rare but major problem called incarcerated hernia. This can occur when the intestine gets trapped in the hernia sac and loses its blood supply.</li> <li>The hernia hasn't closed by the time your child is 5 years of age. If a hernia has not closed on its own by this age, it probably won't.</li> <li>The hernia bothers you or your child. Some umbilical hernias have an extra skin flap over them. These hernias look odd and are more visible than other kinds of umbilical hernias.</li> </ul> </div></div> </div> </div></div></div><div class="HwTabSection" id="HwCompareOptions"><h3 class="HwSectionTitle HwFocusStop">Compare your options</h3><div class="HwSectionSeperator"> </div><div class="HwDecisionPointContent"><div id="HwComparisonWrapper"><div id="HwComparisonBorder"><div id="HwComparison"><div id="HwComparisonTable"><div class="HwComparisonHeading"><div class="HwComparisonControlContainer"><div class="HwComparisonHeadingTitle"><p>Compare</p></div><div class="HwSelectComparisonOption"><select id="HwCompareOptionsA" title="'DP.DropdownMultiSelectOne'"><option value="Select">Compare Option 1</option><option value="Have surgery">Have surgery</option><option value="Wait and see if hernia heals on its own">Wait and see if hernia heals on its own</option></select></div><div class="HwSelectComparisonOption"><select id="HwCompareOptionsB" title="'DP.DropdownMultiSelectTwo'"><option value="Select">Compare Option 2</option><option value="Have surgery">Have surgery</option><option value="Wait and see if hernia heals on its own">Wait and see if hernia heals on its own</option></select></div></div></div><table class="HwComparisonQuestions"><tbody><tr><td class="HwComparisonEmptyHeader"> </td><th> </th><th> </th></tr><tr class="HwComparisonQuestion"><th class="HwComparisonQuestionText"><p>What is usually involved?</p></th><td class="HwComparisonItem"><p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></p></td><td class="HwComparisonItem"><p> </p></td></tr><tr class="HwComparisonQuestion"><th class="HwComparisonQuestionText"><p>What are the benefits?</p></th><td class="HwComparisonItem"><p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></p></td><td class="HwComparisonItem"><p> </p></td></tr><tr class="HwComparisonQuestion"><th class="HwComparisonQuestionText"><p>What are the risks and side effects?</p></th><td class="HwComparisonItem"><p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></p></td><td class="HwComparisonItem"><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table><div id="HwComparisonOptions"> <div class="HwComparisonOption"> <span class="HwOptionName"> Have surgery </span> <span class="HwOptionTitle"> Have surgery </span> <div class="HwOptionInvolved"> <ul> <li>Your child will have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stg17243" data-hw-section="stg17243-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stg17243" data-hwid="stg17243" hw:section-href="stg17243-sec" href="?id=stg17243#stg17243-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">general anesthesia</span></a> and go home on the same day as the surgery. </li> <li>The cut will leave a small scar inside the belly button. </li> <li>Your child will need over-the-counter pain medicine for a few days.</li> <li>You will need to keep the surgery site clean and dry.</li> <li>Your child will need follow-up visits with the doctor to check that the wound is healing.</li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwOptionBenefits"> <ul> <li>Surgery fixes a hernia that is not closing on its own.</li> <li>Your child avoids rare problems, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia.</li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwOptionRisks"> <ul> <li>All surgery has risks, including infection, bleeding, and risks linked to the use of anesthesia. </li> <li>Rare problems linked to hernia surgery include: <ul><li>Swelling from a buildup of fluid near the incision.</li><li>Blood clots.</li><li>A hernia that comes back.</li><li>An injury to part of the intestine.</li></ul></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="HwComparisonOption"> <span class="HwOptionName"> Wait and see if hernia heals on its own </span> <span class="HwOptionTitle"> Wait and see if hernia heals on its own </span> <div class="HwOptionInvolved"> <ul> <li>Your child will need follow-up visits with the doctor to see if the hernia is closing on its own.</li> <li>You watch your child for signs of problems related to the hernia, such as vomiting, pain, or a swollen belly.</li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwOptionBenefits"> <ul> <li>The hernia may close on its own.</li> <li>Your child avoids the risk of surgery.</li> <li>You avoid the cost of surgery your child may not need.</li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwOptionRisks"> <ul> <li>There is a rare risk that part of the intestine will get trapped in the hernia.</li> <li>Your child may still need surgery if the hernia does not heal on its own.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div><div id="HwPersonalStories"><div id="HwPersonalStoriesWindow"><div id="HwPersonalStoriesContentWrapper"><div id="HwPersonalStoriesBorder"><div id="HwPersonalStoriesHeader"><div class="HwPersonalStoriesContent" id="HwPersonalStoriesContentArea"><div class="HwAboutPersonalStories"> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle">Personal stories about surgery for an umbilical hernia</h3> <p> These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. </p> </div> </div></div><div class="HwStories" id="HwStories"><div class="HwPersonalStoriesContent"><div class="HwPersonalStory HwPersonalStoryOdd"><div class="HwPersonalStoryBody"> <p> My baby was born with an umbilical hernia that really wasn't too noticeable most of the time. My doctor suggested waiting to see if it would go away on its own—and it did. By the time Ross was 9 months of age, the hernia was gone. I'm glad we didn't try surgery on such a little baby. I would have felt terrible putting him through that when it just went away on its own. </p> </div><div class="HwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>Jeannette, age 27</p> </div></div><div class="HwPersonalStory HwPersonalStoryEven"><div class="HwPersonalStoryBody"> <p> Sierra, my little girl, developed a large umbilical hernia around her first birthday. It was really horrible to look at and scared her sometimes. Plus, she'd fiddle with it and scratch it in her sleep. We waited a little while to see if it would get better, but before her second birthday, we decided to have it surgically repaired. It was really hard to do it, but I'm glad we did. She looks perfect and we don't have to worry about it anymore. </p> </div><div class="HwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>Loni, age 33</p> </div></div><div class="HwPersonalStory HwPersonalStoryOdd"><div class="HwPersonalStoryBody"> <p>My son, Johnny, had an umbilical hernia that we noticed shortly after his umbilical cord stump fell off. It made us concerned, but we decided that if the doctor wasn't too worried about it yet, we wouldn't be either. It didn't change much over the next 2 years, but then finally went away. Since it didn't bother any of us very much, it wasn't hard to try the "wait and see" approach. </p> </div><div class="HwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>Paco, age 41</p> </div></div><div class="HwPersonalStory HwPersonalStoryEven"><div class="HwPersonalStoryBody"> <p>My daughter was born with really big bulging skin around her belly button. It was awful-looking. It scared me to even touch it. My wife and I decided there was no way we could wait 4 to 5 years to see if it would go away. When she got a little bigger and stronger, we asked if she could have surgery. She had it and looks great now. I'm glad that's over and she looks like a normal baby again. </p> </div><div class="HwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>Dustin, age 22</p> </div></div> </div></div><div class="HwStoriesFooter"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwTabSection" id="HwYourFeelings"><h3 class="HwSectionTitle HwFocusStop">What matters most to you?</h3><div class="HwSectionSeperator"> </div><div class="HwDecisionPointContent"><p> Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. </p><div id="HwFactsYourOptions"> <div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"> <p class="HwOptionText HwOptionTextLeft">Reasons to choose surgery</p> <p class="HwOptionText HwOptionTextRight">Reasons to wait and see if the hernia closes on its own</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div> <div class="HwMultiOptionSlider"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">The way the hernia looks bothers me.</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">I don't mind the way the hernia looks.</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> <div class="HwMultiOptionSlider"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">I want to take care of the problem now.</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">I don't mind waiting to see if surgery is really needed.</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> <div class="HwMultiOptionSlider"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">It's okay if my child is given general anesthesia.</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">I don't want my child to have general anesthesia.</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> <div class="HwMultiOptionSlider"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">I know that surgery has risks, but I think the benefits are worth it.</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">I don't want my child to have surgery.</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> <div class="HwMultiOptionSlider"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">I'm worried about the risks of having a hernia.</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">I'm not worried about the risks of having a hernia.</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> <div class="HwMultiOptionSlider HwNotRequired"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">My other important reasons:</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">My other important reasons:</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderText"> <textarea class="HwSliderComment HwSliderCommentLeft" cols="30" name="HwSliderCommentLeft" rows="4"> </textarea> <textarea class="HwSliderComment HwSliderCommentRight" cols="30" name="HwSliderCommentRight" rows="4"> </textarea> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider optional"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> </div></div></div><div class="HwTabSection" id="HwYourDecision"><h3 class="HwSectionTitle HwFocusStop">Where are you leaning now?</h3><div class="HwSectionSeperator"> </div><div class="HwDecisionPointContent"><p> Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. </p><div class="HwMultiOptionSlider"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwSliderTextLeft">Surgery</p> <p class="HwSliderTextRight">Leaning toward waiting</p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSlider"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">Leaning toward</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Undecided</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">Leaning toward</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwTabSection" id="HwQuizYourself"><h3 class="HwSectionTitle HwFocusStop">What else do you need to make your decision?</h3><div class="HwSectionSeperator"> </div><div class="HwDecisionPointContent"><div id="HwQuizQuestionsWrapper"><div id="HwQuizQuestionsBorder"><div id="HwQuizQuestions"><div id="HwCheckYourFacts"> <div class="HwQuizSubtitleTop"><p class="HwQuizSubtitleText"> Check the facts </p></div> <div class="HwQuestionSet"> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="Hwq1"> <legend class="HwQuestionLegend"><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">1.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">1, </span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Do most umbilical hernias close on their own?</span></span></legend> <div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq1a" name="Hwq1" value="a"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">Yes</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">You're right. There's a good chance that your child's umbilical hernia will close on its own. Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age.</span><span class="HwCorrectAnswer"> </span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq1b" name="Hwq1" value="b"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">No</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">Sorry, that's not right. There's a good chance that your child's umbilical hernia will close on its own. Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age.</span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq1c" name="Hwq1" value="c"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">I'm not sure</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age.</span></label></li></ul><div class="HwClear"> </div></div> </fieldset> </div> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="Hwq2"> <legend class="HwQuestionLegend"><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">2.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">2, </span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Are there any risks to having an umbilical hernia?</span></span></legend> <div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq2a" name="Hwq2" value="a"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">Yes</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">You're right. There are some rare risks, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac.</span><span class="HwCorrectAnswer"> </span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq2b" name="Hwq2" value="b"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">No</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">Sorry, that's not right. There are some rare risks, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac.</span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq2c" name="Hwq2" value="c"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">I'm not sure</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." There are some rare risks, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac.</span></label></li></ul><div class="HwClear"> </div></div> </fieldset> </div> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="Hwq3"> <legend class="HwQuestionLegend"><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">3.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">3, </span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Are there some kinds of hernias that require surgery?</span></span></legend> <div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq3a" name="Hwq3" value="a"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">Yes</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">You are right. Your child may need surgery if the hernia is very large or if a hernia of any size has not gone away by age 5.</span><span class="HwCorrectAnswer"> </span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq3b" name="Hwq3" value="b"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">No</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">Sorry, that's not right. Your child may need surgery if the hernia is very large or if a hernia of any size has not gone away by age 5.</span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq3c" name="Hwq3" value="c"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">I'm not sure</a></span><span class="HwAnswerResultsText">It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Your child may need surgery if the hernia is very large or if a hernia of any size has not gone away by age 5.</span></label></li></ul><div class="HwClear"> </div></div> </fieldset> </div> </div> </div><div id="HwYourChoices"> <div class="HwQuizSubtitle"><p class="HwQuizSubtitleText">Decide what's next</p></div> <div class="HwQuestionSet"> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwBooleanQuestion" id="Hwq4"><legend><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">1.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">1,</span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Do you understand the options available to you?</span></span></legend><div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer HwYesButton"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq4a" name="Hwq4" value="a"></span><span class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><label class="HwAnswerText" for="Hwq4a"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">Yes</a></label></span></li><li class="HwAnswer HwNoButton"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq4b" name="Hwq4" value="b"></span><span class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><label class="HwAnswerText" for="Hwq4b"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">No</a></label></span></li></ul></div><div class="HwBooleanQuestionClear"> </div></fieldset> </div> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwBooleanQuestion" id="Hwq5"><legend><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">2.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">2,</span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?</span></span></legend><div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer HwYesButton"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq5a" name="Hwq5" value="a"></span><span class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><label class="HwAnswerText" for="Hwq5a"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">Yes</a></label></span></li><li class="HwAnswer HwNoButton"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq5b" name="Hwq5" value="b"></span><span class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><label class="HwAnswerText" for="Hwq5b"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">No</a></label></span></li></ul></div><div class="HwBooleanQuestionClear"> </div></fieldset> </div> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwBooleanQuestion" id="Hwq6"><legend><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">3.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">3,</span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?</span></span></legend><div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer HwYesButton"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq6a" name="Hwq6" value="a"></span><span class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><label class="HwAnswerText" for="Hwq6a"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">Yes</a></label></span></li><li class="HwAnswer HwNoButton"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" id="Hwq6b" name="Hwq6" value="b"></span><span class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><label class="HwAnswerText" for="Hwq6b"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">No</a></label></span></li></ul></div><div class="HwBooleanQuestionClear"> </div></fieldset> </div> </div> </div><div id="HwCertainty"> <div class="HwQuizSubtitle"><p class="HwQuizSubtitleText">Certainty</p></div> <div class="HwQuestionSet"> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwSliderQuestion"> <div class="HwMultiOptionSliderLeft" id="Hwq7"><div class="HwSliderBackground HwCornerAll"><div class="HwSliderText"> <p class="HwQuestionWrapper"><span class="HwOrderedNumber">1. </span><span class="HwQuestionText">How sure do you feel right now about your decision?</span></p> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderContainer"><div class="HwSliderLeft SliderQuestion"> </div></div><div class="HwSliderLabel"> <div class="HwSliderLabelLeft">Not sure at all</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelCenter">Somewhat sure</div> <div class="HwSliderLabelRight">Very sure</div> <div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div><div class="HwHelperStopFloat"> </div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <fieldset class="HwMultipleChoiceQuestion HwNextStepsQuestion" id="Hwq8"> <legend class="HwQuestionLegend"><span class="HwOrderedNumber" aria-hidden="true">2.</span><span class="HwQuestionText"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">2, </span><span class="HwQuestionTextValue">Check what you need to do before you make this decision.</span></span></legend> <div class="HwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" value="a" id="Hwq8a" name="Hwq8"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">I'm ready to take action.</a></span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" value="b" id="Hwq8b" name="Hwq8"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">I want to discuss the options with others.</a></span></label></li><li class="HwAnswer"><label class="HwAnswerTextWrapper"><span class="HwRadioButton"><input type="radio" value="c" id="Hwq8c" name="Hwq8"></span><span class="HwAnswerText"><a class="HwTabStopLink" href="javascript:void(0);" rel=".HwRadioButton" onclick="return false;">I want to learn more about my options.</a></span></label></li></ul><div class="HwClear"> </div></div> </fieldset> </div> <div class="HwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwConcerns"> <label class="HwQuestionText" for="HwConcernsText">Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.</label> <textarea name="HwConcernsText" cols="60" rows="5" id="HwConcernsText"> </textarea> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwTabSection" id="HwYourSummary"><h3 class="HwSectionTitle HwFocusStop">Your Summary</h3><div class="HwSectionSeperator"> </div><div class="HwDecisionPointContent"><p>Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.</p><div id="HwSummary"><div class="HwSummaryContainer" id="HwYourDecisionSummary"><h3 class="HwSummaryBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)">Your decision</a><span class="HwAccordionWarning"> </span></h3><div class="HwSummarySection"><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">Next steps</h4></div><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading" id="HwNextStepsSummary"> </h4><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">Which way you're leaning</h4></div><h5 class="HwSummarySectionSubHeading" id="HwLeaningSummary"> </h5><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">How sure you are</h4></div><h5 class="HwSummarySectionSubHeading" id="HwHowSureSummary"> </h5><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">Your comments</h4></div><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading" id="HwYourCommentsSummary"> </h4></div></div><div class="HwSummaryContainer"><h3 class="HwSummaryBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)">Your knowledge of the facts</a><span class="HwAccordionWarning"> </span></h3><div class="HwSummarySection" id="HwKeyConceptsSummary"><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">Key concepts that you understood</h4></div><div id="HwSummaryFactCheckCorrect"> </div><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">Key concepts that may need review</h4></div><div id="HwSummaryFactCheckIncorrect"> </div></div></div><div class="HwSummaryContainer"><h3 class="HwSummaryBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)">Getting ready to act</a><span class="HwAccordionWarning"> </span></h3><div class="HwSummarySection" id="HwReadyToActSummary"><div class="HwBackgroundBox"><h4 class="HwSummarySectionHeading">Patient choices</h4></div><div id="HwSummaryPatientChoices"> </div></div></div><div class="HwSummaryContainer"><h3 class="HwSummaryBackgroundHeader"><a class="HwTabIndexMinusOne" href="javascript:void(0)">What matters to you</a><span class="HwAccordionWarning"> </span></h3><div class="HwSummarySection" id="HwMattersToYouSummary"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="HwNavigationFooter"><div class="HwNavigationPrevious"><button class="HwNavigationPreviousLink" type="button"> < Previous</button></div><div class="HwNavigationNext"><button class="HwNavigationNextLink" type="button">Next > </button></div><div class="HwDpPrintSummary"><div class="HwDpPrintSummaryRight"> </div><div class="HwDpPrintSummaryCenter"><a class="HwDpPrintSummaryLink" href="javascript:void(0);">Print Summary</a></div><div class="HwDpPrintSummaryLeft"> </div></div></div><div id="HwReferences"><div class="HwReferenceContainer"><h3 class="HwReferenceBackgroundHeader"><a href="javascript:void(0)"><span class="HwReferenceLabel">Credits and References</span></a></h3><div class="HwReferenceContent"><div class="HwCreditsTitle">Credits</div><table class="HwDpCredits"><tbody><tr><th class="HwCreditsColumn1" scope="row">Author</th><td><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</a></td></tr><tr><th class="HwCreditsColumn1" scope="row">Clinical Review Board</th><td><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><span><b>Clinical Review Board</b></span></a><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</td></tr></tbody></table><hr class="HwReferenceHR"><div class="HwReferencesContent"><div class="HwReferencesTitle">References</div><div class="HwCitationsTitle">Citations</div><div class="HwCitationsContent"><ol> <li> <a name="ue5476"> </a>Carlo WA (2011). The umbilicus. In RM Kliegman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th ed., Online chapter 99. Philadelphia: Saunders. Available online: http://www.expertconsultbook.com.</li> <li> <a name="abg6325"> </a>Snyder CL (2007). Current management of umbilical abnormalities and related anomalies. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, 16(1): 41–49.</li> </ol></div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="HwFlatDecisionPointWrapper"><div id="HwFlatDecisionPoint"><div id="HwFlatHeadlineDisclaimerPrintOnly">You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.</div><h2 class="HwFlatDecisionPointHeadline">Umbilical Hernia: Should My Child Have Surgery?</h2><div id="HwFlatHeadlineSubtext">Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.</div><div id="HwFlatDecisionPointSections"><ol><li>Get the facts</li><li>Compare your options</li><li>What matters most to you?</li><li>Where are you leaning now?</li><li>What else do you need to make your decision?</li></ol></div><div class="HwFlatDecisionPointTabSection" id="HwFlatDecisionPointGetTheFacts"><h3>1. Get the Facts</h3> <div id="HwFlatHwYourOptions"> <h3>Your options</h3> <ul> <li>Schedule surgery to fix the hernia. </li> <li>Wait and see if the hernia closes on its own.</li> </ul> </div> <div id="HwFlatHwKeyPoints"> <h3>Key points to remember</h3> <ul> <li>There is a good chance that your child's umbilical hernia will close on its own. Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age.<sup class="HwFlatReference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="ue5476-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="ue5476" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib">1</a></sup></li> <li>Your child may need surgery if the hernia is very large or if a hernia of any size has not gone away by age 5.</li> <li>You may choose to have surgery for personal reasons. If the hernia looks odd or bothers your child, it can be fixed with surgery before age 5.</li> <li>Umbilical hernias usually do not cause a health problem. Rare problems include part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac.</li> </ul> </div> <div id="HwFlatFAQS"><div class="HwFlatFAQsTitle">FAQs</div> <div class="HwFlatHwFAQ"> <h4 class="HwFlatHwFAQQuestion">What is an umbilical hernia?</h4> <div class="HwFlatHwFAQAnswer"> <p>An umbilical hernia is a bulge near the belly button, or navel. The hernia has a sac that may hold some intestine, fat, or fluid. These tissues may bulge through an opening or a weak spot in the stomach muscles. This weak spot forms when muscle and other tissue around the <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stu3167" data-hw-section="stu3167-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stu3167" data-hwid="stu3167" hw:section-href="stu3167-sec" href="?id=stu3167#stu3167-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">umbilical cord</span></a> do not close properly.</p> <p>About 1 or 2 babies out of 10 have an umbilical hernia.<sup class="HwFlatReference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="abg6325-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="abg6325" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib">2</a></sup> It mostly occurs in babies who have a low birth weight and those who were born early. </p> <p>Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age. But some children get or still have an umbilical hernia when they are infants or toddlers.</p> <p>Umbilical hernias almost always close on their own as a child grows. But sometimes surgery is needed.</p> <p>A hernia doesn't hurt. A hernia poses no risks except if rare problems occur, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150753" data-hw-section="sti150753-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150753" data-hwid="sti150753" hw:section-href="sti150753-sec" href="?id=sti150753#sti150753-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">incarcerated hernia</span></a>).</p> </div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwFAQ"> <h4 class="HwFlatHwFAQQuestion">What happens in surgery for an umbilical hernia?</h4> <div class="HwFlatHwFAQAnswer"> <p> During the surgery, the doctor makes a small cut, or incision, just below the navel. Any tissue that bulges into the hernia sac is pushed back inside the belly. The muscles and tissues around the navel are repaired, and the cut is closed with stitches. Usually there is only a small scar inside the navel.</p> <p>This surgery has few risks.</p> <p>Children who have surgery to repair a very large hernia may end up with a navel that doesn't look normal. But most of the time, a surgeon can fix this.</p> </div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwFAQ"> <h4 class="HwFlatHwFAQQuestion">Why might your doctor recommend surgery?</h4> <div class="HwFlatHwFAQAnswer"> <p>Most umbilical hernias heal on their own, but your doctor may recommend surgery if:</p> <ul> <li>Your child's hernia is very large. Hernias that measure <span class="HwFlatMeasurement">0.6 in. (2 cm)</span> wide or larger are less likely to close on their own.<sup class="HwFlatReference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="ue5476-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="ue5476" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib">1</a></sup></li> <li>The hernia starts after 6 months of age or gets much bigger after 1 to 2 years of age.<sup class="HwFlatReference"><a class="HwLinkReference" data-hw-type="DecisionPoint" data-hw-document-href="rt1510" data-hw-section="rt1510-Bib" rel="ue5476-Cit" hw:document-type="DecisionPoint" hw:document-href="rt1510" data-hwid="rt1510" hw:section-href="rt1510-Bib" hw:name-href="ue5476" href="?id=rt1510#rt1510-Bib">1</a></sup></li> <li>Your child has pain, a swollen belly, or other signs of a rare but major problem called incarcerated hernia. This can occur when the intestine gets trapped in the hernia sac and loses its blood supply.</li> <li>The hernia hasn't closed by the time your child is 5 years of age. If a hernia has not closed on its own by this age, it probably won't.</li> <li>The hernia bothers you or your child. Some umbilical hernias have an extra skin flap over them. These hernias look odd and are more visible than other kinds of umbilical hernias.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwFlatDecisionPointTabSection" id="HwFlatDecisionPointCompareOptions"><h3>2. Compare your options</h3><div id="HwFlatHwComparisonTable"> <table class="HwFlatHwComparisonQuestions" border="1" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td> </td><th scope="col"><span class="HwFlatHwOptionTitle"> Have surgery </span></th><th scope="col"><span class="HwFlatHwOptionTitle"> Wait and see if hernia heals on its own </span></th></tr><tr><th class="HwFlatCompareOptionsQuestionCol" scope="row">What is usually involved?</th><td class="HwFlatCompareOptionsCol"><div class="HwFlatHwOptionInvolved"> <ul> <li>Your child will have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stg17243" data-hw-section="stg17243-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stg17243" data-hwid="stg17243" hw:section-href="stg17243-sec" href="?id=stg17243#stg17243-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">general anesthesia</span></a> and go home on the same day as the surgery. </li> <li>The cut will leave a small scar inside the belly button. </li> <li>Your child will need over-the-counter pain medicine for a few days.</li> <li>You will need to keep the surgery site clean and dry.</li> <li>Your child will need follow-up visits with the doctor to check that the wound is healing.</li> </ul> </div></td><td class="HwFlatCompareOptionsCol"><div class="HwFlatHwOptionInvolved"> <ul> <li>Your child will need follow-up visits with the doctor to see if the hernia is closing on its own.</li> <li>You watch your child for signs of problems related to the hernia, such as vomiting, pain, or a swollen belly.</li> </ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th class="HwFlatCompareOptionsQuestionCol" scope="row">What are the benefits?</th><td class="HwFlatCompareOptionsCol"><div class="HwFlatHwOptionBenefits"> <ul> <li>Surgery fixes a hernia that is not closing on its own.</li> <li>Your child avoids rare problems, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia.</li> </ul> </div></td><td class="HwFlatCompareOptionsCol"><div class="HwFlatHwOptionBenefits"> <ul> <li>The hernia may close on its own.</li> <li>Your child avoids the risk of surgery.</li> <li>You avoid the cost of surgery your child may not need.</li> </ul> </div></td></tr><tr><th class="HwFlatCompareOptionsQuestionCol" scope="row">What are the risks and side effects?</th><td class="HwFlatCompareOptionsCol"><div class="HwFlatHwOptionRisks"> <ul> <li>All surgery has risks, including infection, bleeding, and risks linked to the use of anesthesia. </li> <li>Rare problems linked to hernia surgery include: <ul><li>Swelling from a buildup of fluid near the incision.</li><li>Blood clots.</li><li>A hernia that comes back.</li><li>An injury to part of the intestine.</li></ul></li> </ul> </div></td><td class="HwFlatCompareOptionsCol"><div class="HwFlatHwOptionRisks"> <ul> <li>There is a rare risk that part of the intestine will get trapped in the hernia.</li> <li>Your child may still need surgery if the hernia does not heal on its own.</li> </ul> </div></td></tr></tbody></table> <h3>Personal stories</h3> <div class="HwFlatHwAboutPersonalStories"> <h3>Personal stories about surgery for an umbilical hernia</h3> <p> These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. </p> </div> <div id="HwFlatHwPersonalStories"> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStory"> <div class="HwFlatStoryBody"><p>"My baby was born with an umbilical hernia that really wasn't too noticeable most of the time. My doctor suggested waiting to see if it would go away on its own—and it did. By the time Ross was 9 months of age, the hernia was gone. I'm glad we didn't try surgery on such a little baby. I would have felt terrible putting him through that when it just went away on its own."</p></div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>— Jeannette, age 27</p> </div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStory"> <div class="HwFlatStoryBody"><p>"Sierra, my little girl, developed a large umbilical hernia around her first birthday. It was really horrible to look at and scared her sometimes. Plus, she'd fiddle with it and scratch it in her sleep. We waited a little while to see if it would get better, but before her second birthday, we decided to have it surgically repaired. It was really hard to do it, but I'm glad we did. She looks perfect and we don't have to worry about it anymore."</p></div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>— Loni, age 33</p> </div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStory"> <div class="HwFlatStoryBody"><p>"My son, Johnny, had an umbilical hernia that we noticed shortly after his umbilical cord stump fell off. It made us concerned, but we decided that if the doctor wasn't too worried about it yet, we wouldn't be either. It didn't change much over the next 2 years, but then finally went away. Since it didn't bother any of us very much, it wasn't hard to try the "wait and see" approach."</p></div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>— Paco, age 41</p> </div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStory"> <div class="HwFlatStoryBody"><p>"My daughter was born with really big bulging skin around her belly button. It was awful-looking. It scared me to even touch it. My wife and I decided there was no way we could wait 4 to 5 years to see if it would go away. When she got a little bigger and stronger, we asked if she could have surgery. She had it and looks great now. I'm glad that's over and she looks like a normal baby again."</p></div> <div class="HwFlatHwPersonalStoryIdentity"> <p>— Dustin, age 22</p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div><div class="HwFlatDecisionPointTabSection" id="HwFlatDecisionPointYourFeelings"><h3>3. What matters most to you?</h3> <p> Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. </p> <div id="HwFlatHwFactsYourOptions"> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"> <p class="HwFlatHwOptionTextLeft">Reasons to choose surgery</p> <p class="HwFlatHwOptionTextRight">Reasons to wait and see if the hernia closes on its own</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">The way the hernia looks bothers me.</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">I don't mind the way the hernia looks.</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">I want to take care of the problem now.</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">I don't mind waiting to see if surgery is really needed.</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">It's okay if my child is given general anesthesia.</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">I don't want my child to have general anesthesia.</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">I know that surgery has risks, but I think the benefits are worth it.</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">I don't want my child to have surgery.</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">I'm worried about the risks of having a hernia.</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">I'm not worried about the risks of having a hernia.</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">My other important reasons:</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">My other important reasons:</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div><table class="HwFlatCommentsTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatCommentsTableCellLeft"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatCommentsTableCellRight"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table></div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">More important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Equally important</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">More important</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> </div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><div class="HwFlatDecisionPointTabSection" id="HwFlatDecisionPointYourDecision"><h3>4. Where are you leaning now?</h3> <p> Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. </p> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextLeft">Surgery</p> <p class="HwFlatHwSliderTextRight">Leaning toward waiting</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">Leaning toward</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Undecided</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">Leaning toward</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> </div><div class="HwFlatDecisionPointTabSection" id="HwFlatDecisionPointQuizYourself"><h3>5. What else do you need to make your decision?</h3> <div id="HwFlatHwCheckYourFacts"> <h4> Check the facts </h4> <div class="HwFlatHwQuestionSet"> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="HwFlatHwq1"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">1. Do most umbilical hernias close on their own?</p> <div class="HwFlatHwAnswers"> <ul> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer HwCorrectAnswer"><span class="HwSelectedOption">Yes</span></li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" name="Hwq1" value="b" id="HwFlatHwq1b"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">No</span> </li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" name="Hwq1" value="c" id="HwFlatHwq1c"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">I'm not sure</span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwFlatSelectedAnswer" id="HwFlatSelectedAnswerHwq1"> </div><div><span class="HwAnwerResultsText">You're right. There's a good chance that your child's umbilical hernia will close on its own. Most of the time, a hernia that starts before 6 months of age will go away by 1 year of age.</span></div></div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="HwFlatHwq2"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">2. Are there any risks to having an umbilical hernia?</p> <div class="HwFlatHwAnswers"> <ul> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer HwCorrectAnswer"><span class="HwSelectedOption">Yes</span></li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" name="Hwq2" value="b" id="HwFlatHwq2b"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">No</span> </li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" name="Hwq2" value="c" id="HwFlatHwq2c"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">I'm not sure</span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwFlatSelectedAnswer" id="HwFlatSelectedAnswerHwq2"> </div><div><span class="HwAnwerResultsText">You're right. There are some rare risks, such as part of the intestine getting trapped in the hernia sac.</span></div></div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="HwFlatHwq3"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">3. Are there some kinds of hernias that require surgery?</p> <div class="HwFlatHwAnswers"> <ul> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer HwCorrectAnswer"><span class="HwSelectedOption">Yes</span></li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" name="Hwq3" value="b" id="HwFlatHwq3b"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">No</span> </li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" name="Hwq3" value="c" id="HwFlatHwq3c"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">I'm not sure</span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwFlatSelectedAnswer" id="HwFlatSelectedAnswerHwq3"> </div><div><span class="HwAnwerResultsText">You are right. Your child may need surgery if the hernia is very large or if a hernia of any size has not gone away by age 5.</span></div></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="HwFlatHwYourChoices"> <h4>Decide what's next</h4> <div class="HwFlatHwQuestionSet"> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">1. Do you understand the options available to you?</p><div class="HwFlatInputButton HwFlatHwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"><input class="HwFlatQuizRadioButton" value="Yes" title="YesButton" id="HwFlatHwq4a" name="Hwq4" type="radio" alt="Select if this is your answer"><label for="HwFlatHwq4a">Yes</label></li><li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"><input class="HwFlatQuizRadioButton" value="No" title="NoButton" id="HwFlatHwq4b" name="Hwq4" type="radio" alt="Select if this is your answer"><label for="HwFlatHwq4b">No</label></li></ul></div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?</p><div class="HwFlatInputButton HwFlatHwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"><input class="HwFlatQuizRadioButton" value="Yes" title="YesButton" id="HwFlatHwq5a" name="Hwq5" type="radio" alt="Select if this is your answer"><label for="HwFlatHwq5a">Yes</label></li><li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"><input class="HwFlatQuizRadioButton" value="No" title="NoButton" id="HwFlatHwq5b" name="Hwq5" type="radio" alt="Select if this is your answer"><label for="HwFlatHwq5b">No</label></li></ul></div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?</p><div class="HwFlatInputButton HwFlatHwAnswers"><ul><li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"><input class="HwFlatQuizRadioButton" value="Yes" title="YesButton" id="HwFlatHwq6a" name="Hwq6" type="radio" alt="Select if this is your answer"><label for="HwFlatHwq6a">Yes</label></li><li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"><input class="HwFlatQuizRadioButton" value="No" title="NoButton" id="HwFlatHwq6b" name="Hwq6" type="radio" alt="Select if this is your answer"><label for="HwFlatHwq6b">No</label></li></ul></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="HwFlatHwCertainty"> <h4>Certainty</h4> <div class="HwFlatHwQuestionSet"> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatSliderBackground"><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?</p> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td><td class="HwFlatSliderTableCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="HwFlatSliderText"> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelLeft">Not sure at all</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelCenter">Somewhat sure</div> <div class="HwFlatHwSliderLabelRight">Very sure</div> </div><div class="HwFlatStopFloat"> </div></div> </div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatMultipleChoiceQuestion" id="HwFlatHwq8"> <p class="HwFlatQuestionText">2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.</p> <div class="HwFlatHwAnswers"> <ul> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" value="a" name="Hwq8" id="HwFlatHwq8a"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">I'm ready to take action.</span> </li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" value="b" name="Hwq8" id="HwFlatHwq8b"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">I want to discuss the options with others.</span> </li> <li class="HwFlatHwAnswer"> <input type="radio" value="c" name="Hwq8" id="HwFlatHwq8c"> <span class="HwFlatHwAnswerText">I want to learn more about my options.</span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="HwFlatSelectedAnswer" id="HwFlatSelectedAnswerHwq8"> </div></div> </div> <div class="HwFlatHwQuizQuestion"> <div class="HwFlatHwConcerns"> <label class="HwFlatHwQuestionText" for="HwConcernsText">Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.</label> <div><table class="HwFlatSliderTable"><tbody><tr class="HwFlatSliderTableRow"><td class="HwFlatCommentCell"><span> </span></td></tr></tbody></table></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwFlatReferenceContainer" id="flat-rt1510-Bib"><div class="HwFlatReferenceContent"><div class="HwFlatCreditsTitle">Credits</div><table class="HwFlatCredits"><tbody><tr><th class="HwFlatCreditsColumn1" scope="row">By</th><td><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</a></td></tr><tr><th class="HwFlatCreditsColumn1" scope="row">Clinical Review Board</th><td><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><span><b>Clinical Review Board</b></span></a><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</td></tr></tbody></table><hr class="HwFlatReferenceHR"><div class="HwFlatReferencesContent"><div class="HwFlatReferencesTitle">References</div><div class="HwFlatCitationsTitle">Citations</div><div class="HwFlatCitationsContent"><ol> <li> <a name="ue5476"> </a>Carlo WA (2011). The umbilicus. In RM Kliegman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th ed., Online chapter 99. Philadelphia: Saunders. Available online: http://www.expertconsultbook.com.</li> <li> <a name="abg6325"> </a>Snyder CL (2007). Current management of umbilical abnormalities and related anomalies. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, 16(1): 41–49.</li> </ol></div></div></div></div><div class="HwFlatDecisionPointDisclaimer" id="HwFlatDecisionPointDisclaimer"><hr class="HwFlatDisclaimerNoteTextDivider"><span class="HwFlatDisclaimerNoteText">Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.</span></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation HwContentNavigationNoSections"><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div></div><div class="HwContentInformation HwContentInformationNoSections"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span>July 31, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</a></p><p><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><span><b>Clinical Review Board</b></span></a><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div><div class="HwCitations" style="display:none;"><div class="HwCitation" id="ue5476-Cit">Carlo WA (2011). The umbilicus. In RM Kliegman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 19th ed., Online chapter 99. Philadelphia: Saunders. Available online: http://www.expertconsultbook.com.</div><div class="HwCitation" id="abg6325-Cit">Snyder CL (2007). Current management of umbilical abnormalities and related anomalies. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, 16(1): 41–49.</div></div></div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar2"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationTop"> </div><div class="HwNavigationWrapper HwNavigationEmpty"> </div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationBottom"> </div></div></div></div><div class="HwBlock" id="HwFooter"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterLeft"> </div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwFooterLegal"><div class="HwLegal HwElement" role="contentinfo"><div class="HwLogo"><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"></a></div><div class="HwDisclaimer"><p>This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. 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