Embryonic hernia (hernia of umbilical cord)

Embryonic hernia (hernia of umbilical cord). With this developmental defect, part of the abdominal cavity (liver, intestinal loops) is located in the umbilical shells. Depending on the size, small (up to 5 cm in diameter), medium (up to 10 cm) and large (more than 10 cm) embryonic hernias are distinguished. About 30% of children with embryonic hernias are born with manifestations of embryophytopathy (prematurity, combined anomalies).

In the first hours after birth, the umbilical shells that form the hernial sac are shiny, transparent, whitish in color. However, by the end of the first day they are drying up, becoming turbid. Dangerous complications are the rupture of the membranes during labor, inflammation with the development of peritolitis. With small hernias, a low umbilical cord bandage can lead to an infringement of the adjacent loop of the intestine or yolk duct, which often remains open with embryonic hernia.

When an embryonic hernia is detected, an urgent transfer of the child from the maternity hospital to the surgical hospital is necessary. Before this, the umbilical cord should be treated with alcohol. The newborn is wrapped in sterile diapers, placed in a special heated incubator or covered with heaters.

Treatment of small and medium hernias with a satisfactory condition of the child is operational. Large embryonic hernias are treated conservatively: the membranes are treated 2-3 times a day with 5% solution of potassium permanganate, then aseptic dressings are applied. Under the resulting scab, granulations develop which are then epithelized. As a result, a ventral hernia is formed, the operation about which is usually performed at the age of 3-5 years.