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Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Delhi, India

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Overview

An umbilical hernia occurs when a section of the intestine juts out of an opening or a weak area in the abdominal muscles near the navel. A hernia occurs when a part of an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or cavity. Umbilical hernias generally occur in infants, but they can also affect adults.

In most cases, an umbilical hernia goes away on its own by the age of 3 or 4 years. However, if it doesn’t go away after four years, then your doctor may recommend surgery for it. Umbilical hernias can also occur in adults due to several factors and are more common in females.

If you have Pain in the body while bending, coughing or exercising, heartburn, joint pain or pain in the area between the abdomen and the thigh this could be symptoms of inguinal hernia

Umbilical Hernia Symptoms

Common umbilical hernia symptoms include: 

  1. A visible bulge on the abdomen
  2. Pain or pressure at the affected area
  3. The bulge swells up 
  4. The bulge becomes discolored
  5. Vomiting
  6. Constipation
  7. Severe abdominal pain also a symptoms of hiatal hernia 

Umbilical Hernia Causes

There are different causes of umbilical hernia, depending on the age group. In an infant, an umbilical hernia can occur when fatty tissues or part of the intestine bulges from the abdominal muscles. When a fetus is developing in the womb, a small opening from the abdominal muscles allows the umbilical cord to pass through. During the time of birth, the opening closes on its own. However, if it is not entirely closed, part of the intestine or fatty tissues protrudes, causing an umbilical hernia.  

An umbilical hernia can occur in adults when there is too much pressure on the abdominal wall. The fatty tissues or part of the intestine can bulge through a weak section of the abdominal muscle. Some of the potential causes for umbilical hernias to occur in adults include: 

  1. Obesity
  2. Frequent pregnancies
  3. Abdominal surgery
  4. Persistent coughs 
  5. Excess fluid in the abdominal cavity

Umbilical Hernia Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask for your symptoms along with your medical history. The doctor will also perform a physical examination to check your abdomen. For example, they may ask you to stand, cough or strain to check if the hernia comes out or not. The doctor will also see whether the hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity or trapped. They may also recommend some imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or abdominal ultrasound in some cases.

Umbilical Hernia Treatment

In most cases, the umbilical hernia in babies closes on their own by the age of 3 or 4 years. The doctor can sometimes push back the lump, back into the abdominal cavity.

However, if the abdominal wall does not close on its own or the hernia grows after the child is one or two years old, your doctor may recommend open hernia surgery for it. In adults, surgery is usually recommended as umbilical hernia treatment, especially when it grows.

Your doctor will recommend the following umbilical hernia treatment based on different factors, including age, size of the hernia, health, and more:

  1. Open Hernia Repair

    In this umbilical hernia treatment procedure, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the belly button and pushes the bugling tissues back into the abdomen. The surgeon then stitches the weak area and adds a mesh where the hernia occurred to strengthen it. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.

  2. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

    Also known as keyhole surgery, the procedure is done by making a small incision in the abdomen. The surgeon then inserts a thin tube with a camera attached (laparoscope) into the incision. The camera sends images to the monitor, which aids the surgeon to repair the hernia through the small incision. The surgeon also uses a piece of mesh to close and strengthen the abdominal wall.

Risk Factors Associated with Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

In infants, the complications of an umbilical hernia are rare. However, if the hernia is incarcerated or can longer be pushed back into the cavity, it may reduce the blood supply to the trapped section of the intestine and even damage the tissues. This can also result in gangrene and requires emergency medical treatment.

Apart from this, certain factors may also increase the risk of an umbilical hernia. These include obesity, persistent coughing, multiple pregnancies, and more.

Recovery After Umbilical Hernia Repair

Umbilical hernias in infants go away on their own by the age of 3 or 4 and have a positive outlook. The same is the case in adults. The umbilical hernia doesn’t reappear after the surgery. However, there might be some pain or discomfort after the surgery, which usually disappears within two weeks.

Your doctor will prescribe medicines to relieve pain. The doctor will also advise avoiding heavy lifting and other strenuous activities for several weeks. Moreover, one needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a high-fiber diet, and quit smoking.

Last Update

Reviewed by Dr. Vishwas Sharma, Associate Director, Laparoscopic / Minimal Access Surgery, General Surgery on 31-Jan-2022

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