Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a health condition that occurs when part of your intestine or fatty tissue bulges through a weak spot in your belly near the navel (umbilicus). This creates a soft swelling or bulge that can often be seen or felt.

Umbilical hernias are common in infants, but they can also occur in adults. In infants, they usually close on their own by the age of 1 or 2, but if an umbilical hernia appears during adulthood, it is unlikely to go away without treatment.

Causes Umbilical hernias are caused by increased pressure in the abdomen, which can occur due to a variety of reasons such as obesity, heavy lifting, multiple pregnancies, long-term dialysis, or certain medical conditions like liver disease.

Symptoms The most noticeable symptom of an umbilical hernia is the bulge near the navel. It might become more obvious when you laugh, cough, cry, or strain. In adults, there might be pain or discomfort in the area. In rare cases, when the tissue trapped in the hernia has its blood supply cut off (strangulation), it can lead to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment The treatment for an umbilical hernia depends on the age of the patient and the size of the hernia. In infants, if the hernia doesn’t close by itself by the age of 2, or if it becomes strangulated, surgery might be recommended. In adults, surgery is generally recommended to prevent potential complications, especially strangulation.

Surgery The surgical procedure to repair an umbilical hernia is relatively straightforward. It can be performed as open surgery or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

1. Open Surgery: The surgeon makes an incision near the belly button and pushes the bulging tissue back into the abdomen. The surgeon then sews together the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh to provide additional support. The incision is then stitched up.

2. Laparoscopic Surgery: This is a less invasive procedure where the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope – a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front. The camera displays images on a screen, allowing the surgeon to guide special surgical tools to repair the hernia. As with open surgery, a mesh may be used to reinforce the abdominal wall.

Post-surgery, most people are able to go home the same day or the next day and can return to all their normal activities within a few weeks. The risk of an umbilical hernia recurring is low, but it can happen.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. There’s also a small risk of injury to the intestines, blood vessels, or nerves in the abdominal area. Therefore, the decision to have surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your overall health and the potential benefits and risks.