Introduction
Umbilical Hernia definition
An Umbilical hernia is a bulge near the umbilicus or belly button, i.e., navel. This occurs when a part of the intestine or an organ, or a fatty tissue, pushes towards a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Also called as belly button hernia. It is most commonly seen in newborns and babies, about 20%, and in adults, about 10%. Adults experience this hernia at 60 years of age or older. They are not dangerous and typically don’t cause any major health problems. According to Dr. Patta Radhakrishna, most renowned Surgical Gastroenterologist at MGM Malar, emphasizes that early diagnosis can prevent complications like strangulation, especially in adults.
Symptoms
Hernia bulge in babies: A Bulge in the area of the navel when they cry, cough, or strain. They are reducible hernias.
Umbilical hernia signs in adults: Bulge at the site of the umbilicus (navel), Pain or pressure at the site, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Tenderness, Incarceration. Some hernias lead to strangulation. Strangulated hernia symptoms are bulging, discoloration, Intestinal obstruction, Fever, Vomiting, Constipation, Sudden pain, and tenderness
Causes and risk factors
In babies, it is caused by the Umbilical ring failing to close the abdominal walls at birth. This leads to a newborn umbilical hernia.
In adults, it is caused by many reasons like having multiple pregnancies, overweight, chronic constipation, chronic cough that increases abdominal pressure, enlarged prostate gland, which leads to difficulty in urinating (in males), Ascites and hernia, lifting heavy objects.
Risk factors like Pregnancy (frequent or multiple), obesity, liver cirrhosis with ascites, chronic abdominal distension, history of abdominal surgeries, long-term peritoneal dialysis
Complications
- Strangulation: The blood flow to a strangulated hernia is interrupted. So, the tissue will become infected and eventually die.
- Incarcerated hernia: It occurs when the hernia’s protrusion becomes lodged in a weak spot of the abdominal wall. This will result in bowel obstruction from a hernia, which leads to pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to urinate.
- Infections: Insufficient blood flow to the abdominal wall will lead to severe pain and infections.
If the hernia becomes complicated, the risks will be high. So, according to Dr. Patta Radhakrishna, it requires emergency hernia surgery to save tissue.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is done in various approaches, such as: Ultrasonography (USG) for hernia, Computed tomography (CT scan) for abdominal bulge, Physical examination, Blood tests for infections, Barium X-ray, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan).
Treatment
Treatment for umbilical hernias has various methods like lifestyle modifications, wait and watch approach, surgical approach, suture repair, and mesh repair. Mesh repair can be performed by: Open approach, Onlay method, Sublay method, Laparoscopic approach, Transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP), Intraperitoneal Onlay mesh technique (IPOM).
Baby hernias are self-repairing hernias; 90% of them heal by the age of five. But in adults the condition is not self-repairing and needs appropriate treatment or surgery.
Dr. Patta Radhakrishna is an expert surgeon. at MGM Malar, they prioritize minimally invasive robotic surgery for faster recovery.
Prevention
Umbilical hernias can be prevented in many ways, always avoiding lifting heavy objects, losing additional weight, avoid constipation to avoid straining during bowel movements, taking a healthy diet, avoid struggling to urinate, do exercises to prevent hernia (deep breathing, walking, leg straightens, core twists, and pelvic tilts) this is for strengthening abdominal muscles.
