Epidemiology
Umbilical hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions in infants and children. The true overall incidence, however, is unknown because many resolve spontaneously and accurate studies have not been performed. Most occur as an isolated finding in a healthy infant and the incidence is equivalent between boys and girls. The incidence is significantly increased in premature infants and infants of African descent. Umbilical hernia is noted in up to 75% of infants weighing <3 pounds 5 ounces (<1500 g).[1] The rate of umbilical hernia is increased by up to 30% in premature, low birthweight infants (<2 pounds 3 ounces [<1000 g]).[2] Some studies document a high incidence in African infants.[2][3]
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