Hassan M., 9

Hassan is a 9-year-old boy and the first child in his family. He lives with his parents in Tajuwa village, where his father works as a farmer and the family earns about 5,000 naira. Hassan hopes to become an actor when he grows up. On March 16, 2026, he was admitted to Ayaji Medical and Diagnostic Centre for evaluation of a long-standing umbilical hernia. Although the swelling had been present since birth, it had rapidly increased in size over the past three months and became increasingly painful, limiting his ability to attend school and participate in daily activities.

Hassan, a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, was admitted and prepared for elective umbilical herniorrhaphy. Pre-operative assessment was carried out, and he was placed on nil per oral (NPO) status. He received intravenous fluids, prophylactic antibiotics (ceftriaxone), and analgesics as needed. The surgery was successfully performed, and the hernia defect was repaired without complications. Post-operatively, he was managed with IV fluids, antibiotics, and paracetamol for pain control. The surgical site was regularly dressed and monitored for signs of infection or bleeding. Hassan recovered well, with good wound healing, no post-operative complications, and gradual return to normal activities. He was discharged in stable condition with follow-up instructions for wound care and clinic review.

Hassan presents with a classic case of a symptomatic umbilical hernia, a condition that has transitioned from a period of clinical observation to an immediate requirement for surgical intervention. While many umbilical hernias in the pediatric population resolve spontaneously as the rectus abdominis muscles fuse, Hassan’s case did not. The swelling indicate that the abdominal wall defect is widening under chronic intra-abdominal pressure, increasing the risk of future complications. A physical examination confirms the presence of a palpable fascial defect. The overall prognosis for Hassan provided there is timely surgical intervention. The recommended path forward involves an umbilical hernioplasty surgery, a routine and highly successful procedure.