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Umbilical hernia is the most common birth defect that occurs in infants. In adults, it can arise when the inner layers of the abdominal muscles weaken. A medical consultation is necessary in all cases, as an untreated umbilical hernia may contribute to the development of life-threatening complications. What are the causes and symptoms of an umbilical hernia? What is the treatment of the disease? Is surgery always necessary?
Umbilical herniais the formabdominal hernia . Appears when elements of the abdominal cavity exit through the unclosed umbilical ring and the damaged abdominal wall, and then move beyond it. Then, a characteristic bulge appears at the site of the navel or in its vicinity, which in medical terminology is called the hernial sac. It may contain part of the intestine or the so-called the greater net, i.e. the fat coat covering the intestines (more rarely other organs). Umbilical hernia is most often a minor congenital defect that occurs in infants. It is primarily children with low birth weight and premature babies that are exposed to it. In infants, a hernia usually appears at the site of the navel. Adults are more likely to struggle with peri-umbilical hernia.
Umbilical hernia: causes
Umbilical hernia in infantsis the result of a congenital anatomical defect - non-fusion of the umbilical ring (the opening through which the umbilical vessels entered the baby in utero).
In utero, the baby's intestines develop outside the abdomen. They enter the abdomen through the umbilical ring, which should close after some time. If the ring does not fully heal or the process does not proceed properly, an umbilical hernia may develop.In adults, umbilical herniais most often the result of a decrease in the strength of the abdominal wall. The likelihood of an umbilical hernia increases in people struggling with diseases in the course of which there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as overweight, coughing, constipation and problems with urination (e.g. due to prostate problems). The risk of the disease also increases in pregnant women and people whowho suffer from ascites. Heavy physical work and pregnancy are also factors that increase the occurrence of an umbilical hernia.
Umbilical hernia: symptoms
In infants, an umbilical herniausually appears as a bulge that disappears on its own within a year of the baby's birth. This is facilitated by strengthening the muscles of the abdominal press by placing the baby on its stomach frequently, but in some cases it may develop. Then, both in children and adults, a flexible lump protruding the navel appears. You can press some of the protuberances inward during a touch test. The bulge becomes more visible when the abdominal muscles are stretched, for example when crying, coughing or when having a bowel movement. It is accompanied by a feeling of soreness or undefined discomfort in the area of the navel and epigastrium. As the hernia develops, the lump becomes harder and cannot be moved. This means that some of the guts are trapped in the hernial sac and the blood supply to it is cut off. The bulge can be swollen, painful, and covered with discoloration. He informs the infant about discomfort by crying and screaming.
CHECK>> Untreated condition can lead totrapping herniaand developing intestinal obstruction. Then you experience severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Intestinal necrosis and death can result if surgical intervention is not undertaken immediately. Umbilical hernia surgeryis necessary when the child is 3 years old and the hernia does not close by itself. Adults should see a doctor as soon as they notice the above-mentioned symptoms. Both children and adults undergo a surgery calledhernioplasty . During the procedure, any tissue that bulges into the hernial sac is retracted into the abdominal cavity and the edges of the defect are sutured. The doctor may also place a piece of mesh directly under the peritoneum and secure it with stitches or staples. In this way, the weakened parts of the abdominal cavity are strengthened and the risk of recurrence of symptoms is reduced. Umbilical hernia surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes. Laparoscopic surgery may be performed in the case of recurrent hernias or when the hernia accompanies other diseases. The stages of the procedure are the same as for traditional surgery, with the difference that the doctor does not open the patient's abdominal cavity, but introduces the laparoscope and abdominal tools with the help ofcannula.Umbilical hernia: treatment
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