What is Umbilical Hernia?

What is Umbilical Hernia?

Hernia; means that a tissue escapes from a tear, hole or gap into another tissue. It is the situation in which the organs in the abdomen are thrown out from where they are from one of the weak areas in the abdominal wall or as a result of increased intra-abdominal pressure. Umbilical hernia usually occurs around or below the navel (umbilicus).

This can occur in areas where the abdominal wall is weak. When intra-abdominal pressure increases (for example, heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing) or when weak spots become wider, internal organs can be pushed out of the abdominal wall. This can often lead to symptoms such as bloating, pain or tenderness. In infants, babies born prematurely and underweight are at risk.

What are the Causes of Umbilical Hernia?

1. Congenital Weak Abdominal Wall:

Some people may have a congenital weak abdominal wall. This can increase the risk of a hernia.

2. Excessive Intra-Abdominal Pressure:

When intra-abdominal pressure increases suddenly or is persistently high, internal organs can be pushed out through weak areas of the abdominal wall.

For example;

• Do not pull up heavy thing,
• Cough,
• Sneeze,
• Straining

Activities such as may increase intra-abdominal pressure.

3. Being Overweight:

In overweight or obese individuals, weak areas of the abdominal wall may be under more pressure and the risk of hernia may increase.

4. Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, intra-abdominal pressure increases and weak areas on the abdominal wall become more prominent. Therefore, an umbilical hernia can develop during pregnancy.

5. Excessive Exercise or Vigorous Activities:

Excessive exercise or heavy physical activity can increase intra-abdominal pressure and cause hernia formation in weak areas.

6. Aging:

As we age, the abdominal wall often weakens and loses its elasticity, which can increase the risk of hernia formation.

7. Genetic Factors:

If you have a family history of umbilical hernia, genetic factors may also increase the risk of developing this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia?

1. Bloating and Blistering:

A feeling of bloating, swelling or lump may be seen in or below the navel area. This bulge may become more noticeable, especially when you strain or lift heavy.

2. Pain and Discomfort:

People with umbilical hernia may experience pain or discomfort in the abdomen. This pain may occur due to compression or irritation of the herniated tissue.

3. Burning and Stinging Sensation:

When herniated tissue or internal organs are compressed, a burning or stinging sensation may occur in the abdomen.

4. Tightness or Tenderness:

The skin around the hernia area may become tender and feel tight when you touch or apply pressure.

5. Pushing and Pulling Sensation of Hernia Content:

Some people with umbilical hernias may have the feeling that their internal organs are being pushed and pulled outward from the herniated area.

6. Posture Disorder:

As the hernia grows or symptoms increase, posture disorders or changes in body position may be seen.

7. Nausea or Vomiting:

Although rare, symptoms such as nausea or vomiting may occur due to compression of the herniated tissue or impaired blood circulation.

Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Adults

The risk of complications from umbilical hernia in adults is higher than in children. Surgical intervention is often recommended for this treatment.

Compression of the hernia, slowing down or complete cessation of blood flow to the herniated tissue are situations that must be prevented.

To prevent such a situation from developing and a life-threatening infection, the hernia is pushed into place by surgical intervention.

During the operation, an incision is made close to the belly button. And the herniated tissue is pushed back into the abdominal cavity.

These types of operations, performed through a thin incision, are performed closed (laparoscopic).

Umbilical hernia surgery is performed under general anesthesia in most cases. It takes about half an hour on average. The hole in the abdominal wall is stitched and closed.

If the hole or gap that causes intestinal tissue to escape is large, this gap is knitted using a special mesh system. It is recommended to use a corset after the operation.

Umbilical hernia surgery is quite simple. Rapid recovery is seen in both babies and adults.

The patient can return to his normal life in a short time. However, in rare cases, as with all surgical interventions, some complications may occur.
The most common of these is infection at the site of the stitch.

The stitch can become infected for any reason;

• Sore,
• Swelling,
• Redness,
• Red or yellow pus discharge

it could be the subject.

Another post-operative complication is bleeding in the area where the stitches are located. In some cases, the stitches may open. And the hernia may recur.

Some patients stated that their belly button looked different after the operation than before. However, these complications are extremely rare.

What is the Post-Surgery Recovery Process?

After this operation, patients can usually be discharged on the same day.
Since children are mostly treated without stitches, the recovery time is shorter than for adults.
However, children are asked to take a break from school for 1-2 weeks and rest at home.
Recovery time may vary in adults depending on the location of the hernia, the person’s disease history, age and physical condition.
It is recommended to avoid intense physical activities and take a break from work or school for a few weeks.
If no complications develop during this period, full recovery is achieved within one month in adults.
If the conditions that cause the hernia do not change, the hernia may recur, although rarely.