be reduced by manipulation) [45] or strangulated (vascular compromise of the contents of anincarcerated hernia) [46] or, even more rarely, rupture.Umbilical hernias are detected during the newborn abdominal examination, particularly whenthere is increased intraabdominal pressure from crying. Umbilical hernias are easily reducedeven if they are quite large, and the borders of the fascial defects can be palpated through theskin. The fascial defect, not the degree of protrusion, is most indicative of whether spontaneousclosure will occur. It is important to differentiate umbilical hernias from supraumbilical hernias,which will not close spontaneously [47].Management — Because the natural course of the umbilical ring is eventual closure, mostumbilical hernias will spontaneously resolve [48]. In general, asymptomatic children with anumbilical ring that continues to decrease can be observed, regardless of their age. Surgicalintervention is required only in a minority of patients.Although rare, an incarcerated umbilical hernia in children is an absolute indication for surgicalrepair to avoid strangulation. Children with large, proboscoid (trunk-like) hernias (picture 1)without any decrease in the size of the umbilical ring defect over the first two years of life,generally require surgery, because their hernias are unlikely to close spontaneously. Otherrelative indications for surgical repair include defects that cease decreasing in size, aresymptomatic, or create significant behavioral problems [49].Although there is folklore about "adhesive taping" an umbilical hernia to promote closure, thispractice can lead to skin complications such as maceration and infection and should not beperformed.UMBILICAL MASSESInfants — Umbilical masses in the neonate are most commonly umbilical granulomas, polyps, orectopic tissue. These conditions are typically differentiated from one another by physicalexamination or failure to respond to initial treatment used to treat granulomas. However, if thereis any question of whether an umbilical mass in a neonate is a polyp or granuloma,histopathologic evaluation of the lesion should be performed. If a polyp is diagnosed, furtherevaluation for associated embryologic anomalies (eg, Meckel's diverticulum) should beperformed. (See 'Omphalomesenteric duct anomalies' above and 'Urachal anomalies' below.)Umbilical granuloma — In neonates, umbilical granuloma is the most common cause of anumbilical mass. It is a soft, moist, pink, usually pedunculated, friable lesion of granulation tissuethat varies in size from 3 to 10 mm in length (picture 2).Umbilical granuloma forms in the first few weeks of life from excess tissue that persists at thebase of the umbilicus after cord separation [50]. Granuloma formation is more likely to occur8 of 31 pages