What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia is an abnormal bulge that can be seen or felt at the umbilicus (belly button). This hernia develops when a portion of the lining of the abdomen, part of the intestine, and/or fluid from the abdomen, comes through the muscle of the abdominal wall.
Umbilical hernias are common in all ages, occurring in 10% to 20% of all children.
Boys and girls, men and women are equally affected.
What causes an umbilical hernia?
As the fetus develops during pregnancy, there is a small opening in the abdominal muscles that allows the umbilical cord to pass through, connecting mother to baby. As the baby grows after birth, this opening in the abdominal muscles closes. Sometimes, however, these muscles do not meet and grow together completely, and a small opening remains. This opening is called an umbilical hernia.
How is an umbilical hernia treated?
Many umbilical hernias close spontaneously by ages 3 to 4. If closure does not occur by this time, surgical repair is usually advised. In younger children, if there is an episode of incarceration or if the hernia is very large, surgical repair may be recommended.
In adults, umbilical hernias should be repaired because the bowel could get trapped and cause permanent damage.
Surgery to repair the hernia is performed under a light or general anesthesia.
A small incision is made at the base of the belly button. If any intestine is present in the hernia, it is placed back into the abdominal cavity. The opening in the muscle is then repaired with multiple layers of stitches to prevent another hernia. A dressing is placed to keep the belly button flat.
Most people go home the same day.
What are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the belly button area. If a physician gently pushes on the bulge when a child or adult is lying down and calm, it will usually get smaller or go back into the abdomen.
Sometimes the intestines get trapped within the umbilical hernia. This is referred to as an incarcerated hernia. When this occurs, the person usually has severe pain and the bulge may be firm and red. Urgent medical evaluation to exclude an incarcerated hernia is required in order to prevent possible damage to the intestines. It is uncommon for this to occur.
How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?
Physical examination by a physician can diagnose an umbilical hernia and can also determine if there are any abdominal contents caught in the hernia sac.