Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia refers to a condition where a portion of the intestines protrudes outward through an opening in the abdominal muscles, forming a bulge around the navel. Umbilical hernia cases, which are commonly seen in both adults and children, are generally harmless and usually do not lead to dangerous complications.

When babies cry a lot, their navels protrude outwards. This situation stands out as the most obvious symptom of umbilical hernia cases seen in babies. These hernia cases heal spontaneously as the baby grows. Surgical operation is not necessary unless it creates any complications. However, surgical treatment may be required for umbilical hernia cases occurring in adults. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana, explained what an umbilical hernia is, what its symptoms are, and how it is treated.

What is an Umbilical Hernia?

The term hernia refers to a tissue escaping into another tissue through a torn opening. Among the numerous points in the body where hernias can occur, an umbilical hernia holds an important place. The protrusion of the intestines through the gap between the abdominal muscles signifies an umbilical hernia. Factors such as obesity, multiple births, abdominal discomfort, chronic cough, and continuous dialysis use are among the reasons for the formation of umbilical hernias in adulthood, which can occur in both adults and children. In babies, the most common causes of umbilical hernia are low birth weight and premature birth.

What are the Causes of Umbilical Hernia?

The factors leading to the development of umbilical hernia differ for children and adults. In children, an umbilical hernia results from the abdominal muscles not fully closing after birth. In adults, various diseases and physical conditions can lead to an umbilical hernia.

Umbilical Hernia in Adults

In adults, umbilical hernias mostly occur as a result of conditions that increase pressure in the abdominal region. Situations such as pregnancy, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, surgical operations in the abdominal area, dialysis use, and heavy lifting create high pressure. Chronic cough can also increase pressure in the abdominal region. In addition, straining and difficulty urinating can also trigger an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia, just like in children, is not considered a dangerous condition on its own in adults. However, it can be treated surgically if deemed necessary.

Umbilical Hernia in Children

During birth, the umbilical cord connects to the mother by passing through an opening between the baby's abdominal muscles. Under normal circumstances, this opening should close spontaneously after birth. If this opening does not close as it should, an umbilical hernia can form. Babies who are born prematurely or have a low birth weight are particularly at risk for an umbilical hernia.

What are the Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia?

If a protrusion or swelling forms around the navel in adults, it is considered a symptom of an umbilical hernia. In babies, the navel becomes more prominent during coughing and crying. The hernia generally does not cause pain or discomfort in babies. However, in some cases, the protruding intestine may become trapped. In such instances, the swelling and protrusion take on a red appearance and can cause pain. As a result, tissues may be damaged. In such cases, emergency intervention for the hernia may be necessary. Adults may also experience discomfort in the abdominal area.

How is Umbilical Hernia Treated?

Hernia cases can be diagnosed through manual examination and imaging technologies. Doctors detect the hernia with a physical examination and may use computed tomography scans to understand its origin and check for the possibility of any complications.

Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Children

The methods used in the treatment of umbilical hernia differ between children and adults. In umbilical hernia cases occurring in infancy, the hernia usually heals spontaneously before the child reaches five years of age. In fact, under medical supervision, the hernia can be pushed back into its natural position. However, this is an procedure that should only be performed by a specialist physician.

If the herniated tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back in, blood circulation problems may occur in the trapped tissue, leading to tissue damage. If the tissue is damaged, severe pain may be experienced in the abdominal area. If blood flow to the severely trapped tissue stops completely, tissue death may occur. This can lead to serious infections. Surgical operation comes into question for children only in such cases. If the hernia diameter is larger than one centimeter and healing does not occur by five years of age, surgical intervention may be decided.

Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Adults

The risk of complications in umbilical hernias seen in adults is higher than in children. Therefore, surgical treatment is mostly recommended. Hernia incarceration can slow down or completely stop blood flow to the tissue. To prevent such situations and avoid a life-threatening infection, the hernia is intervened with through a surgical operation.

During the surgery, an incision is made around the navel, and the herniated tissue is repositioned to its natural place in the abdominal cavity. These operations, performed with a small incision, are carried out using a closed surgical technique.

Umbilical hernia surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. It can be completed in an average of half an hour. The opening created in the abdominal wall is closed with sutures. A mesh may be used to prevent recurrence of the hernia. The patient may be advised to wear a corset for some time after the surgery.

Umbilical hernia operations are simple surgeries that can be performed on both adults and babies. Patients can return to their daily lives shortly after the surgery. However, complications, though rare, can occur. Complications such as infection, pain, swelling, and red or yellow purulent discharge may be observed.

Another complication that may develop after umbilical hernia surgeries is bleeding at the suture site. The sutures may open, leading to a recurrence of the hernia.

What is the Recovery Process After Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

Patients can often be discharged from the hospital on the same day after umbilical hernia surgery. Generally, children are operated on without sutures. This ensures a shorter recovery period than in adults. Nevertheless, children are advised to spend one or two weeks resting at home.

In adult patients, the recovery period may vary due to factors such as the location of the hernia, the patient's age, physical condition, general health status, and medical history.

During the recovery period, intense physical activities should be avoided. If possible, a break from school or work for a few weeks should be taken. If no complications occur during this period, adult patients can fully recover within one month. If the conditions causing the hernia are not addressed, umbilical hernia cases may recur, though rarely.