What is umbilical hernia, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Umbilical hernia, also called hernia in the umbilicus, corresponds to a protrusion that appears in the region of the umbilicus and that is formed by fat or part of the intestine that managed to cross the abdominal muscle. This type of hernia is more frequent in children, but it can also appear in adults, and can be noticed when the person stresses the abdominal region when they are laughing, crying, coughing or using the bathroom to evacuate, for example.

Most of the time the hernia in the navel does not lead to the appearance of symptoms, however when it is very large the person may feel pain, discomfort and nausea, especially when lifting weights, forcing the muscles of the belly or standing for a long time. Although umbilical hernia is not considered serious, it is important that it is identified and treated so that complications can be prevented. Learn more about hernias.

Main symptoms

The main sign and symptom indicative of umbilical hernia is the presence of a bulge in the navel area that can cause pain and discomfort. In addition, when the hernia is large, it is possible that other signs and symptoms may appear, such as nausea and vomiting when making efforts and the appearance of small lumps that are palpable when the person is standing but disappear when lying down.

Symptoms of umbilical hernia in the baby

In general, babies develop the same symptoms as adults, and the hernia appears mainly after the umbilical stump falls after birth. The hernia usually returns to normal alone until 5 years of age, however it is important that the child is evaluated by the pediatrician if he has umbilical hernia.

Even without showing symptoms of pain, children should be taken to the pediatrician to assess the severity of the problem, because when severe and untreated, the hernia can develop and become trapped in the umbilical scar, resulting in imprisoned umbilical hernia, which can put the baby's life at risk, requiring surgery urgently.

Usually, the treatment of umbilical hernia in babies can be done by placing a bandage or bandage to press the navel into the abdominal cavity. However, if the umbilical hernia is very large or does not disappear until the age of 5, the pediatrician may recommend performing surgery to resolve the problem.

Umbilical hernia in pregnancy

Umbilical hernia in pregnancy is more common in women who had hernias when they were children, since the increase in pressure inside the pregnant woman's belly causes an opening in the abdominal muscle, which was already weakened, allowing for the bulging of a small portion.

Generally, umbilical hernia is not dangerous for the baby, does not affect the mother's health and does not hinder labor. Depending on the size of the hernia, the general surgeon or abdominal surgeon may recommend the use of a brace during pregnancy and will evaluate the possibility of having surgery to repair the umbilical hernia after delivery or at the time of cesarean section.

Who is more likely to have

Some factors may favor the formation of umbilical hernias, such as family history of hernias, cystic fibrosis, cryptorchidism, premature newborns, pregnancy, obesity, changes in the urethra, dysplasia of hip development and excessive physical efforts. In addition, the appearance of umbilical hernia is more common in black boys and children.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of umbilical hernia is made from the assessment of signs and symptoms presented by the person, in addition to observation and palpation of the umbilicus region. In addition, the doctor may recommend performing an abdominal ultrasound and X-ray of the abdomen to assess the extent of the hernia and check for any risk of complications.

When umbilical hernia can complicate

Umbilical hernia is not normally a cause for concern, but if it becomes stuck, a situation called umbilical hernia incarceration, which occurs when the intestine is trapped inside the hernia and can no longer return into the abdomen, surgery must be performed immediately. Because of this, every person with umbilical hernia must have surgery to remove it.

There is an urgency to perform the operation because the part of the intestine that got stuck may have impaired blood circulation, with the death of tissues, which need to be removed. This complication can affect people with large or small hernias in the navel, and cannot be predicted, and it can happen in people who have had the hernia for 1 day or for many years.

Symptoms that the umbilical hernia is incarcerated are severe navel pain lasting several hours. The intestine may stop functioning and the abdomen may become very swollen. Nausea and vomiting are also usually present.

How treatment is done

Umbilical hernia surgery, also called herniorrhaphy, is the most effective form of treatment for umbilical hernia and is done with the aim of solving the problem and avoiding complications, such as intestinal infection or tissue death due to altered blood circulation in the region.

This type of surgery is simple, can be done on children from 5 years of age and is made available by SUS. Herniorrhaphy can be done by two methods:

1. Video laparoscopy, which is done under general anesthesia and 3 small holes are made in the abdomen to allow the entry of a microcamera and the other medical instruments that are necessary to correct the situation; Cut in the abdomen, which is done under epidural anesthesia and a cut is made in the abdomen so that the hernia is pushed into the belly and then the abdominal wall is closed with stitches.

Normally during surgery the doctor places a protective mesh or mesh in place to prevent the hernia from reoccurring. Understand what umbilical hernia is and what recovery is like after surgery.