Umbilical hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine protrudes from the belly button. This condition generally occurs in infants and is not dangerous. However, umbilical hernias can also be experienced by adults and can sometimes lead to serious complications.
Umbilical hernias usually go away on their own after the baby is 1–2 years old, although sometimes it can take longer. If the umbilical hernia does not heal by the age of 5 years, the child is advised to undergo surgery. This step is also recommended for adult umbilical hernia patients.
Umbilical Hernia Causes and Risk Factors
Umbilical hernias occur when the abdominal muscles do not close completely. As a result, the remaining small hole in the umbilical cord in the abdominal muscles. From this hole, part of the small intestine can come out and cause a lump in the navel. These lumps can appear since infancy or after adulthood.
It is not known what the exact cause of an umbilical hernia is. However, this condition is known to be more common in babies born prematurely or babies with low birth weight.
In adults, conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen can increase the risk of an umbilical hernia. These conditions include:
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites)
- Excess weight
- Chronic cough
- Surgical scars on stomach
- Abdominal dialysis (CAPD) procedure
- Twin pregnancy
Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is characterized by a soft lump that appears near the belly button. In infants, the lump will only be seen when crying, straining, laughing, or coughing. However, these lumps generally do not cause pain.
While in adults, umbilical hernia can cause severe pain in the abdomen. Pain can worsen when the patient is coughing, sneezing, defecating, or lifting heavy objects.
When to go to the doctor
Check with the doctor if you or your child experience the above complaints. Treatment should be given immediately if the lump swells, is painful, changes color, or is accompanied by vomiting.
Diagnosis of Umbilical Hernia
The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient, followed by a physical examination of the lump around the navel. After that, the doctor will try to push the lump into the stomach.
If necessary, the doctor will suggest that the patient undergo additional examinations, such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. The goal is to determine the possibility of complications.
Umbilical Hernia Treatment
In most cases, babies with umbilical hernias will heal on their own after 1–2 years or at most 5 years. However, surgery by a surgeon or pediatric surgeon will be recommended if the following conditions are present:
- The lump hurts
- The lump does not shrink after the child is 1-2 years old
- The diameter of the lump is greater than 1.5 cm
- The lump has not disappeared after the child is 5 years old
- The hernia is pinched or causes symptoms of intestinal obstruction, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, flatulence, or inability to pass gas
Surgery on patients with umbilical hernia is done by making an incision below the navel. After that, the doctor will reinsert the hernia into the abdominal cavity, and close the incision by sewing it. In adult patients, the doctor will use a synthetic net to strengthen the abdominal wall.
Complications of Umbilical Hernia
Infants and children with umbilical hernias rarely develop complications. However, complications can occur if the small intestine that comes out is pinched and cannot enter back into the abdominal cavity.
The pinching of the small intestine will cause the intestinal tissue to lack oxygen and nutrient intake from the blood. This condition can trigger tissue damage and cause pain. If the blood supply to these tissues is stopped, tissue death can occur which can lead to infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
Prevention of Umbilical Hernia
It is not known how to prevent an umbilical hernia, especially in newborns. In adults, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of an enlarged umbilical hernia, namely:
- Drink lots of water and eat fibrous foods, so that constipation does not occur which can aggravate the umbilical hernia
- Wear loose clothing and low-waisted pants, to prevent irritation of the hernia
- Do not lift heavy weights, because it can press and enlarge the hernia