Abdullahi A., 1

Abdullahi Abubakar Abdullahi is a 20-month-old boy who lives with his parents and two siblings, Maryam and Fatima, in a two-room rented apartment. His father works as a security guard and earns ₦10,000 monthly, but he is currently owed wages by his employer, while the mother has no source of income. Their income is barely enough to meet their basic needs. The family has electricity and get water from a well. Despite these challenges, they strive to provide for their children. Abdullahi was brought to the hospital with a one-year history of swelling around his umbilicus, first noticed a few months after birth. The swelling is soft and painless, becoming more prominent when he cries, coughs, or strains and reducing when he is calm or lying down. He has no vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, or difficulty passing stool. Following medical assessment, Abdullahi was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia and scheduled for herniorrhaphy.

Surgical repair of umbilical hernia at this age has an excellent prognosis. The defect will be closed, eliminating the risk of incarceration. Recovery is usually quick, 1-2 weeks, and he can return to normal play and activities with no long-term effects. If left untreated: The hernia may persist beyond age 5 and is unlikely to close spontaneously. There is a risk of incarceration or strangulation which can lead to bowel obstruction and would require emergency surgery. There is also risk of discomfort and cosmetic concern as he grows older.