Umbilical Hernia Repair Explained

1. By Dr. Valeria Simone MD (Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA) UMBILICAL HERNIA REPAIR EXPLAINED

2. Overview Umbilical hernia repair surgery is often done with a piece of mesh to make the abdominal wall stronger. An umbilical hernia happens when parts from the belly come out through the umbilical ring. It is important to get help quickly to prevent issues such as blood clots. Factors like the size of the hernia and your overall health can change how the repair is done. Taking care of yourself after surgery is very important for a good result in umbilical hernia repair.

3. Key Highlights • Umbilical hernias occur when tissues protrude through the abdominal wall in the area surrounding the belly button. • This condition is common in infants, and it often goes away by the time they are 4 or 5 years old. Surgery is usually necessary to fix an umbilical hernia in an adult. • In adults, being overweight, heavy lifting, and having several pregnancies can cause umbilical hernias. • People with umbilical hernias may notice a visible bump and feel discomfort or pain, especially when they exert themselves. • The main treatment for umbilical hernia repair is surgery, which usually uses mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall. • After surgery, most patients feel better quickly and have a low chance of returning of hernia.

4. Understanding Umbilical Hernias Umbilical hernias happen when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button area. You can often see this as a bump or swelling. It may hurt, especially if you lift heavy things or strain yourself. Small umbilical hernias usually don’t cause any symptoms. However, larger ones may require surgical repair to avoid problems. Up to 2% of the adult population may experience this condition, so it is important to recognize the signs and risk factors of umbilical hernias. Knowing this can help you get the right diagnosis and care on time.

5. What is an Umbilical hernia or Umbilical Herniorrhaphy? An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine or fat pushes through a small opening in the abdominal wall. This often occurs near the belly button. It can happen if the muscles in the abdominal wall do not close completely while a baby is growing, leaving a weak spot. The umbilical cord connects the mother to her unborn child during pregnancy. It passes through a small opening. After the baby is born, this opening normally closes. However, there are instances when it partially opens. If that happens, an umbilical hernia can form. This is more common if there is a lot of pressure in the belly area. Umbilical hernias are quite common, especially in babies. In general, they are usually not considered dangerous. Though problems do occur occasionally. When that happens, surgery may be necessary to solve the issue and stop any future problems.

6. Types of Umbilical Hernia Umbilical hernias can look similar, but there are several types. The differences are based on how serious they are and their special characteristics: • Reducible umbilical hernias: Most cases, particularly in newborns, include reducible umbilical hernias. The tissue that sticks out can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity gently. Usually, they do not need quick treatment, but it is important to keep an eye out for any issues. • Incarcerated hernias: This type happens when the tissue gets stuck in the umbilical ring, which is the opening in the abdominal wall. It can be painful and tender. This type often needs quick medical help. • Strangulated hernias: Among hernias, the most serious type of hernia is a strangulated hernia. Here, the stuck tissue loses its blood supply. Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency and need fast surgery to stop any tissue damage. It is very important to get medical help quickly for these kinds of hernias. Doing so can aid in the avoidance of major problems.

7. Causes Behind Umbilical Hernias in Children The main reason kids have umbilical hernias is because of how they grow before they are born. When a fetus grows, the umbilical cord brings blood and nutrients through a hole in the abdominal wall. • Usually, this hole closes after the baby is born. • Sometimes, if the abdominal wall does not join completely, a weak spot can stay. This weak spot makes it easier for an umbilical hernia to form. Most umbilical hernias in kids are not dangerous. They usually heal by the time the child is 4 or 5 years of age, during the early years of life. However, larger hernias, or ones that do not disappear by then may need surgery to avoid problems. It’s important to watch for any changes and get medical help if needed to keep the child healthy.

8. Causes of Umbilical Hernia in Adults There is a difference between umbilical hernias in children and adults. They usually happen when there is extra pressure on the abdominal wall and when the abdominal muscles are weak. Some causes of this extra pressure include: • Obesity puts a lot of stress on the abdominal wall. • Many pregnancies can stretch the abdominal muscles. Other things can lead to umbilical hernias. This includes long-lasting coughing, pushing hard during bowel movements, and lifting heavy things. These actions increase pressure on the abdominal wall. This is especially the case for people with weaker abdominal muscles. Knowing what causes umbilical hernias is important. Changing some habits in your life may help you manage and prevent these hernias in adults.

9. Signs and Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia Recognizing an umbilical hernia is important for quick diagnosis and treatment. The main sign is a noticeable bump near the belly button. This bump may appear when you laugh, cough, or lift something heavy. Some hernias do not have any signs. Others can cause discomfort, pain, or a feeling of fullness in your stomach. In serious cases, like an incarcerated or strangulated hernia, you may feel sharp pain. You could also feel nausea, vomit, and notice redness around the belly button. It is important to notice these signs quickly to get the emergency surgery and medical help you need.

10. Identifying Common Symptoms An umbilical hernia looks like a noticeable bump or swelling around the belly button. You may see this bump get bigger when you cough, laugh, or work hard. It can become smaller or go away when you lie down or relax. • Often, babies feel no pain or discomfort. • You might feel a sense of fullness or pressure in your stomach. This can happen after eating or when you are active. If you see a strange bump or feel pain near your belly button, you should visit a doctor. The doctor will do a physical exam. They may also use tests, like an abdominal ultrasound, to see what is wrong. After that, they will tell you the best steps to take.

11. What are the complications of an Umbilical Hernia? While most umbilical hernias are not harmful, especially in babies, they can sometimes cause problems that need medical help. One of these problems is an incarcerated hernia, which poses a risk of incarceration when a part of the intestine or fat gets stuck in the hernia defect and cannot be pushed back in. It can lead to: • Pain • Nausea • Vomiting A more serious problem is strangulated hernia. This happens when the blood supply to a trapped part of the tissue is blocked. It is an emergency that needs surgery right away. Quick action is needed to fix the blood flow and avoid tissue damage or death. Getting diagnosed and treated for umbilical hernias fast can lower the risks they cause. If you suspect you may be suffering from a hernia, it is crucial to consult a medical expert.

12. When to Seek Medical Advice Not every umbilical hernia needs immediate treatment, but it’s important to know when to see a doctor. If you or your child notices a bump near the belly button that doesn’t disappear, you should consult a doctor. • Keep an eye out for any changes in the hernia’s size or color. • If the lump hurts, feels tender, or changes color, go see a doctor right away. • If you feel other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, or fever, visit a healthcare provider quickly. Seeing a doctor immediately may be necessary if you have these symptoms. It is very important to notice problems early and treat them. By doing this, you can prevent serious issues and better manage umbilical hernias.

13. Diagnosis Process for Umbilical Hernias Diagnosing an umbilical hernia begins with a physical exam. The doctor will check your belly button for any bumps, especially when you cough or push. They will also try to push the hernia back into place, which is known as reducible. Your doctor might recommend some imaging tests to find and examine the hernia. This could be an abdominal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to take pictures inside your body. An enhanced and more precise picture can be obtained with a CT scan. These actions help the doctor see how serious the hernia is. They also help him pick the best treatment option.

14. How to diagnose an Umbilical Hernia? A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing an umbilical hernia. While examining you, your doctor will feel gently for a bulge around your belly button. They might ask you to cough or push. This helps them see the hernia more clearly. If the bulging tissue can easily move back into the abdomen, it’s usually a simple diagnosis. Sometimes, your doctor may need tests like an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan. These tests help you see the hernia better. They show how big it is, where it is located, and any problems that might occur. After your doctor checks the results, they can suggest the best treatment for it.

15. Treatment Options for Umbilical Hernia Repair Treatment for umbilical hernia repair and ventral hernias varies based on the person’s age, symptoms, and the size of the hernia. Small hernias in babies can sometimes disappear on their own if they are watched closely. However, adults usually need surgery to prevent issues such as incarceration or strangulation. When doctors recommend surgery, they look at the size of the hernia, the symptoms, and the patient’s overall health after a thorough physical examination.

16. Non-Surgical Approaches and Their Efficacy Surgery is usually the best way to fix umbilical hernias. However, some people may prefer different choices. For adults, one choice is watchful waiting. This means watching small hernias that don’t cause big symptoms instead of rushing into surgery right away. It’s important to know that non-surgical methods do not fix a hernia. Instead, they help manage symptoms and keep an eye out for any problems. You should talk to your doctor to see if watchful waiting is the right choice for you. They will consider things like the size of the hernia, how you feel, and your overall health. It’s very important to have regular check-ups during this time. These visits will help monitor the hernia and determine if the treatment should change.

17. Umbilical Hernia Surgery

18. Surgical repair is the only treatment to best treat umbilical hernias in adults and children with ongoing cases, particularly those involving the anterior abdominal wall. This type of surgery addresses the main problem. The procedure starts with a small incision made close to the abdominal button. Then, the doctor carefully puts the pushed-out tissue back into the abdominal cavity. Finally, the doctor strengthens the weak part of the abdominal wall. • Technique: Open surgery makes a big cut, while laparoscopic surgery makes small cuts. As a result, the healing process is accelerated, and scarring is reduced. • Mesh Use: Doctors often use surgical mesh for extra support. This is a strong material that helps make the abdominal wall stronger and reduces the risk of recurrence. • Anesthesia: The procedure usually happens with general anesthesia. This keeps the patient comfortable during the operation. Your surgeon will choose the best way to do the surgery and if they will use mesh. They will look at several factors. These include the size and place of the hernia, your overall health, and any surgeries you have had before.

19. Post-Operative Care and Recovery After umbilical hernia repair, please listen to your surgeon’s advice closely. Your recovery time will be significantly reduced with this. Remember to take your medicines, attend follow-up appointments, and care for your incision. • Let’s explore more: Umbilical Hernia Repair: Expert Guide - Southlake General Surgery

20. Make an Appointment To book an appointment with Dr. Valeria Simone, MD, at Southlake General Surgery in Texas, USA, call +1 (817) 748- 0200. You can also make an online appointment with us. Dr. Simone is an expert in umbilical hernia repair. She can assist you with your surgical options, the use of mesh for repairs, and open repair methods. If you think you have an umbilical hernia or need help with a hernia problem, don’t wait to schedule a consultation. Dr. Simone provides caring support for your abdominal health needs.

21. Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Valeria Simone MD Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Source: Umbilical Hernia Repair: Expert Guide - Southlake General Surgery

22. THANK YOU! SOUTHLAKE GENERAL SURGERY 1545 E. Southlake Blvd, Suite 270 Southlake, TX EMAIL: info@southlakegeneralsurgery.com VISIT US AT: www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com