Where does an umbilical hernia come from and how to treat it

What is an umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia occurs when the muscles in the abdominal wall separate and part of the intestine protrudes through the dilated umbilical opening.

This often happens in babies, especially those who were born prematurely. When a child starts crying, coughing, or, for example, strains, trying to sit up, the navel begins to bulge noticeably. This is the classic sign of an umbilical hernia.

Although it can occur in adulthood as well.

Why is an umbilical hernia dangerous?

In the case of small children, there is practically nothing Umbilical Hernia Repair. Weakness of the abdominal muscles usually resolves with age. By the third or fourth year of life, most children have no trace of an umbilical hernia.

Adults are a special conversation. A hernia formed in non-infantile age rarely goes away on its own. The fact is that the muscles that have dispersed for some reason are strong enough. Trying to close again, they can pinch the part of the intestine protruding through the umbilical opening. This leads to a number of unpleasant consequences, including:

Abdominal pain.
Nausea and vomiting.
Digestive disorders.
Bowel obstruction.
Necrosis. If the fallen part of the intestine receives less blood, it begins to die off. This is a deadly situation.

When you need to urgently seek help

If you find a bulge in the navel area (it does not matter whether it is in yourself or in a baby), you should consult with a therapist or pediatrician in any case.

Emergency help may sometimes be needed. Dial 103 or 112 immediately if Umbilical hernia:

a stomach ache in the area of a hernia;
vomiting appeared;
it hurts to touch the hernia;
edema or skin discoloration appeared in the area of the hernia.

Such symptoms indicate that it has come to complications.

Where does an umbilical hernia come from?

Every baby has a divergence of muscles in the navel area: the umbilical cord passes through this so-called umbilical ring. Typically, the ring shrinks immediately after birth. But for some children, this process can take several months or even years. All this time, the umbilical hernia makes itself felt.

In adults, the causes of Umbilical Hernia Repair for the appearance of a hernia are different: the abdominal muscles diverge due to increased stress or pressure inside the abdomen. Such a load can be provoked by:

multiple pregnancy;
being overweight or obese;
recent abdominal surgery;
lifting weights;
persistent severe cough.

How to treat an umbilical hernia

The only way to get rid of a hernia is to have surgery. Children are prescribed it no earlier than three or four years old, in the hope that the bulge will disappear on its own. In some cases, a competent pediatrician can push the hernia back into the abdominal cavity. But this method does not always work, and in no case can it be used on its own: there is a risk of damaging the intestines.

Umbilical hernia is recommended for adults. Diagnosis and Treatment in any case, even if the hernia is small and does not hurt.

The operation is simple Umbilical Hernia Repair, takes no more than 20-30 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision near the navel and through it returns the fallen out section of the intestine to the abdominal cavity. Then the skin is sutured. To prevent the hernia from recurring, in some cases the umbilical opening is closed with a special surgical mesh Umbilical Hernia.

The patient can return home immediately after the operation. Most likely, the doctor will recommend taking sick leave for 1-2 weeks. And after a month, most of the operated people return to their normal life - work, sports, outdoor activities.