What is an Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernia is a form of a hernia, which occurs in the area of the navel or around it (paraumbilical hernia). It is the result of a disturbance of the normal anatomy of the navel, while the characteristic umbilical indentation usually disappears on large umbilical hernias. In the place of the recess, there is now a “lump”, which in most cases subsides when the patient is in a supine position.
In which people does an umbilical hernia occur more often?
Umbilical hernia is found equally in both sexes. It has been observed that it occurs more often in women, especially after pregnancy, but also in newborns. However, in infants it usually resolves spontaneously during the first year of life.
Umbilical Hernia and Pregnancy
Women often develop umbilical hernia during and after pregnancy. In particular, when other factors coexist, such as heredity, increased body weight and smoking, the chances increase significantly. All pregnant women have some degree of projection of the navel, but after pregnancy, this “umbilical hernia” usually resolves automatically. However, if it remains, surgical treatment is necessary.
What are the causes of an Umbilical Hernia?
Some of the most common causes of umbilical hernia are:
- obesity
- multiple pregnancies
- incomplete occlusion of the umbilical region after birth
- an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (i.e., a large tumor in the abdomen, chronic cough)
- constipation
- lifting heavy weights (manual work, Gym)
What are the symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia?
In addition to the appearance of the visible “lump” in the navel area, the symptoms of umbilical hernia can be:
- severe pain when lifting heavy objects.
- redness at the site
- thinning of the skin
- Local ischemia
How is an Umbilical hernia diagnosed?
Umbilical hernia can be diagnosed by a qualified surgeon. Initially, the site of swelling or swelling in the navel area is examined. The doctor in this way determines the type of umbilical hernia, while further imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, may be requested.
How dangerous can an umbilical hernia become?
Failure to treat umbilical hernia in time can cause serious complications, such as:
- Intestinal obstruction: In this case a part of the intestine prolapses on the outer walls of the abdomen causing pain, nausea, vomiting
- Intestinal ischaemia: A part of the intestine is strangled in the umbilical hernia, resulting in the interruption of the blood supply. This complication requires immediate surgical treatment to avoid bowel necrosis.
Surgical treatment of umbilical hernia can prevent the occurrence of serious complications, so early repair is the most important option.
Surgical treatment of Umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernia is treated surgically, through the application of minimally invasive techniques that allow the definitive treatment of umbilical hernia and the prevention of complications. The main methods of umbilical hernia repair are open repair, laparoscopic repair or extensive endoscopic repair (eTEP technique) of umbilical hernia. The three techniques are excellent options for the treatment of umbilical hernia, but their application requires appropriate specialization and experience from the surgeon.
