Inguinal hernia and umbilical anomalies.

Inguinal hernias and umbilical anomalies remain the most common congenital anomalies. The loss of testis, ovary, or a portion of bowel from an irreducible hernia and the infectious complications of umbilical anomalies continue to be a threat to infants and young children. This article reviews the embryology, clinical features, and treatments of these anomalies and discusses some of the unusual and special considerations of these children.