Umbilical Hernias

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia occurs when tissues from inside the abdomen push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall around the belly button. It is commonly observed in infants after birth and often resolves on its own. In adults, it can develop due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and typically requires surgery.

Causes of Umbilical Hernia

In Infants:

• Incomplete closure of abdominal muscles after birth.
• Underdeveloped abdominal wall in premature babies.

In Adults:

• Chronic Cough or Constipation: Can raise intra-abdominal pressure, contributing to hernia formation.
• Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the abdominal wall.
• Pregnancy: Especially in multiple pregnancies, stretching of the abdominal area increases the risk of hernia.
• Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects improperly or suddenly may strain the abdominal muscles.
• Previous Abdominal Surgeries: May create weakened areas in the surgical region.

Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia

• Swelling in the Belly Button Area: A bulge that becomes more noticeable when standing or straining.
• Pain and Discomfort: May occur during coughing, exercise, or lifting.
• Sensation of Pressure or Fullness: A feeling of fullness or pressure near the navel.
• Redness and Tenderness: If the hernia becomes incarcerated or loses its blood supply, severe pain and redness may develop.

Some umbilical hernias may require emergency treatment, especially in cases of:

Severe pain due to incarceration of the hernia

Nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues

Firmness and tenderness in the hernia area

Diagnosis of Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. Additional tests may be needed for large or complex hernias:

• Ultrasound: Helps assess the structure of the hernia.
• CT or MRI: May be required for a detailed evaluation of larger hernias.

Treatment Options for Umbilical Hernia

1. Umbilical Hernia in Infants

• Usually resolves on its own by age 2–4.
• Surgery is recommended if the hernia is large or does not resolve naturally.

2. Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Adults

In adults, umbilical hernias rarely resolve without intervention, so surgery is usually advised:

Open Hernia Repair:

• An incision is made around the navel to repair the hernia.
• Muscle tissue is stitched and reinforced.
• Mesh may be used to prevent recurrence.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (Minimally Invasive):

• Minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions.
• The abdominal wall is reinforced using mesh.

After surgery, most patients can usually continue their normal activities within a few days.

Prevention of Umbilical Hernia

Certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of hernia formation:

Maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid heavy lifting.

Treat chronic constipation or cough if present.

Exercise to strengthen the abdomen regularly.

Conclusion

Umbilical hernias often require treatment, especially in adults. If you experience swelling, pain, or discomfort, it is recommended to consult a general surgery specialist to explore surgical options.