When is surgery required for an umbilical hernia? my 15 month old still has one. he had hernia surgery@2months for hernias in his groin area.

Umbilical hernia: Many umbilical hernia's resolve with time. Referral to a surgeon after age 3y of age is appropriate if the hernia is still present.

Maybe never!: 95% or more of umbilical hernias resolve by 4 years old. If it hasn't resolved by then, your child's doctor can refer you to a surgeon. Tape, belly bands, and quarters ('family remedies') actually tend to prevent umbilical hernias from resolving. Unless intestine gets strangulated in the hernia, best to leave it alone for now.

Depends: Often umbilical hernias are observed until your child is about 2 years old. It depends if it is growing. Some umbilical hernias can resolve by age 2, but if it is getting larger then your pediatrician should examine it. Hernias can run in families, and be more common in males and in premature infants.

No need: Umbilical hernias usually do not require surgery unless the defect (hole)gets bigger or when crepitations are present, even when the hole is small.They will resolve in time.Talking about years - 6 of longer.

Kinesio tape: See a physical therapist trained in kinesio taping they can use tape to support muscles.

Maybe: Umbilical hernias are commonplace. 80 % will disappear by age two years. As children learn to sit up and then walk, the abdominal muscles exert closing pressure on the umbilical ring. If the hernia is still present after 2 years or causes pain at any age it should be evluated for repair by a pediatric surgeon. "outies" are all umbilical hernias.