Umbilical hernia

Description

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the opening in the muscles of the abdomen, near the navel (belly button). Umbilical hernias are common and usually harmless.

Umbilical hernias are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well. In an infant, an umbilical hernia may be especially evident when the infant cries, causing the bellybutton to protrude. This is a classic sign of an umbilical hernia.

Children's umbilical hernias often close on their own in the first two years of life, although some stay open until the fifth year or more. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood are more likely to need surgical repair.

Symptoms

An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. In babies who have an umbilical hernia, the bulge can be visible only when you cry, cough or strain.

Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood may cause abdominal discomfort.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that your baby has an umbilical hernia, talk with your baby's doctor. Seek emergency medical attention if your baby has an umbilical hernia and:

  • It seems to be in pain
  • Vomiting begins
  • Tenderness, swelling or discoloration at the site of the hernia.

Similar guidelines apply to adults. Talk with your doctor if you have a bulge near your navel. Seek emergency medical attention if the lump becomes pain or sensitivity. The rapid diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

Causes

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the baby's abdominal muscles. The opening normally closes after birth. If the muscles don't join together completely in the midline of the abdominal wall, an umbilical hernia may appear at birth or later in life.

In adults, excess abdominal pressure contributes to umbilical hernias. Causes of increased pressure in the abdomen are:

  • Obesity
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Fluid in the abdominal cavity
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Long-term peritoneal dialysis for the treatment of renal failure

Risk factors

Umbilical hernias are more common in children, especially premature babies and those with low weight at birth. In the united States, black infants seem to have a slightly higher risk of umbilical hernias. The condition affects boys and girls.

For adults, overweight or have multiple pregnancies may increase the risk of developing an umbilical hernia. This type of hernia tends to be more common in women.

Complications

For children, the complications of an umbilical hernia are rare. Complications can occur when the protruding abdominal tissue is trapped (incarcerated) and can not be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This reduces the supply of blood to the section of trapped intestine and can lead to abdominal pain and tissue damage.

If the trapped portion of the intestine is completely isolated from the blood supply, which can lead to tissue death. The infection can spread through the abdominal cavity, causing a life-threatening situation.

Adults with umbilical hernias are more likely to experience a blockage of the intestines. Emergency surgery is usually required for the treatment of these complications.

Umbilical hernia

Diagnosis

An umbilical hernia is diagnosed during a physical exam. Sometimes imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan to detect complications.

Treatment

The majority of umbilical hernias in babies near by your own account at the age of 1 or 2.Su doctor may even be able to push the bulge back into the abdomen during a physical exam. Don't try this on your own, however.

Although some people claim that a hernia can be fixed with duct tape, a coin down on the package, don't try this. The placement of a tape or an object on the package does not help and germs can build up under the tape, the cause of the infection.

For children, the surgery is generally reserved for umbilical hernias that:

  • They are painful
  • They are slightly larger than 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch (1 to 2 centimeters) in diameter
  • They are large and do not decrease in size during the first two years of life
  • Do not go away by the age of 5 years
  • Become trapped or block the intestine

For adults, surgery is generally recommended to avoid possible complications, especially if the umbilical hernia grows or if it becomes painful.

During the surgery, a small incision is made near the belly button. The herniated tissue is returned to the abdominal cavity, and the opening in the abdominal wall is closed with stitches. In adults, surgeons often, the use of mesh to help strengthen the abdominal wall.

Preparing for your appointment

If you or your child has signs or symptoms of an umbilical hernia, make an appointment with your family doctor or your child's pediatrician.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • List of signs or symptoms that you or your child has had, and for how long.
  • Bring a photo of the hernia, if the signs of the problem are not always obvious.
  • Write down your key medical information, including other health problems, and the names of the medicines that you or your child is taking.
  • Write down the questions you want, be sure to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Is the swelling near my or my child's navel of an umbilical hernia?
  • That is the defect large enough to require surgery?
  • Are any of the tests necessary to diagnose the swelling?
  • What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?
  • Could surgery become an option if the hernia can't be better?
  • How often should I or my child be seen for follow-up exams?
  • There is some risk of complications of this hernia?
  • What the emergence of signs and symptoms should I watch out for in the home?
  • Do you recommend any activity restrictions?
  • Should be consulted with a specialist?

If any of the additional questions that occur during your visit, do not hesitate to ask.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you first notice the problem?
  • Has gotten worse with time?
  • Do you or your child have pain?
  • Have you or your child has vomited?
  • If you are affected person, do your hobbies or your work that involve heavy lifting or straining?
  • Have you or your child have recently gained a lot of weight?
  • Have you or your child has recently been treated for another medical condition?
  • Do you or your child have a chronic cough?
Symptoms and treatment of Umbilical hernia