Well Experienced Doctor
Most Advance Treatment
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LAPAROSCOPIC UMBILICAL HERNIA REPAIR(IPOM)
Minimal Pain
No Stitch
No Scar
30 Min Procedure
LAPAROSCOPIC UMBILICAL HERNIA REPAIR(IPOM)
Minimal Pain
No Stitch
No Scar
30 Min Procedure
What is an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernia is a bulge around your belly button (umbilicus), which is often visible or palpable. This condition arises when a section of the small intestine, accompanied by fat or fluid, creates a sac that protrudes through a gap or weakness in the muscle of your abdominal wall. While umbilical hernias are frequently observed in any age group and gender.
How common are umbilical hernias?
Umbilical hernias are prevalent, occurring in approximately 1 out of 6 children (up to 20%), with an equal impact on both genders. They are more frequently observed in babies born prematurely or with low birth weight. Interestingly, these hernias are more prevalent in babies of Black ethnicity, although the exact reasons remain uncertain.
In the adult population, approximately 2% experience umbilical hernias, making them the second most common type of hernia, following inguinal (groin) hernias. Notably, umbilical hernias are three times more prevalent in women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) compared to their male counterparts (AMAB).
What are the types of umbilical hernia?
Hernias that affect newborns, babies, and children are typically benign. While umbilical hernias in adults may not always be immediately serious, they carry a higher likelihood of complications, often necessitating surgical intervention.
- Reducible Hernias: When a hernia is reducible, a healthcare professional can manually push the protruding tissue back into its proper place. Immediate treatment may not be required in such cases, and this is often the case with the majority of pediatric hernias.
- Incarcerated Hernias: An incarcerated hernia is more severe than a reducible one. It occurs when the intestines become trapped in the protruding abdominal muscles, leading to pain and tenderness. Urgent action is needed from a healthcare provider to assess the tissue and prevent damage to the intestines.
- Strangulated Hernias: This type of hernia occurs when the blood supply to the intestines is cut off, resulting in tissue death. It constitutes a medical emergency that demands swift intervention to salvage as much tissue as possible and prevent complications such as infection.
What are the Cause of an Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernia causes in children
Umbilical hernias in children occur when the umbilical ring, a hole in the abdominal wall through which the umbilical cord passes, fails to fully close. This ring serves as a crucial passage during pregnancy, facilitating the transfer of nutrients from the gestational parent to the developing fetus. Following birth, the abdominal wall’s ring initiates closure, a process typically completed by ages 4 or 5. However, during this transitional period, hernias can develop through the still-open opening.
Umbilical hernia causes in Adults
In adults, umbilical hernias occur when abdominal pressure weakens the abdominal wall muscles, allowing parts of the small intestine and related tissue to bulge through.
Sex:AFAB individuals more prone to diagnosable, reducible umbilical hernias.
Obesity:Higher prevalence of umbilical hernias in adults with BMI greater than 30.
Multiple Pregnancies: Increased risk for individuals who have given birth multiple times.
Fluid Buildup (Ascites): Common in cirrhosis patients, contributing to a greater likelihood of umbilical hernias.
Previous Abdominal Surgeries:Procedures weakening the abdominal muscle wall elevate the risk of umbilical hernias.
What are the Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia looks like a lump in the navel. It might become more obvious when the infant laughs, cries, goes to the toilet, or coughs. When the child is lying down or relaxed, the lump may shrink or go away completely.
The symptoms of an umbilical hernia will vary among cases. Regardless of the size of the hernia, if the abdominal wall constricts around it, this can cut off circulation to the protrusion, causing pain. The pain can range from mild to severe.
A person should visit a doctor if the bulge:
- becomes painful
- occurs alongside vomiting
- swells up and becomes discolored
- does not decrease when lying down or under light pressure
How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?
Diagnosing an umbilical hernia typically involves a straightforward physical examination. Your healthcare provider may request you to engage your abdominal muscles, aiding in the visibility and palpation of the bulge.
For a more in-depth assessment of potential complications, such as incarceration or obstruction, imaging techniques are employed to visualize the abdominal cavity. Common procedures include abdominal ultrasound and CT (computed tomography) scans.
What are the complications of an umbilical hernia?
In adults, reducible hernias may progress to incarceration, where the small intestine becomes trapped, leading to issues like bowel obstruction and potential strangulation, causing tissue death. Timely monitoring and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
While complications can occur in children, they are rare, with incarceration rates as low as 0.07% to 0.3%
Management and Treatment
What is the best treatment for Umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernia Treatment Option is Children
In children, most umbilical hernias resolve naturally over time, with over 90% healing by ages 4 or 5. Your healthcare provider may use manual techniques to gently reposition the hernia if necessary, but attempting this at home is not advisable and can lead to injury.
If treatment is required for your child, surgery is a viable option, especially if the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated, larger than 2 centimeters, still present by ages 4 or 5, or causing pain.
If your child does need treatment, surgery can help. Your child is more likely to need surgery if their hernia is:
- Incarcerated or strangulated.
- Larger than 2 centimeters, around three-quarters of an inch.
- Still present by the time they’re 4 or 5 years old.
- Painful.
Umbilical hernia Treatment Option is Adult
The sole treatment for an umbilical hernia is hernia repair surgery.
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Open umbilical Hernia Repair with Meshplasty
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (IPOM)
Difference between Laparoscopic and Open surgery
| Difference | Open Surgery | Laparoscopic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
Technology |
Old |
Minimally Invasive or Advance |
Cut |
Big cut |
Small Cut |
Scar and Stitches |
Yes |
Minimal |
Bleeding |
Maximum |
Minimum |
Risk of Infection |
High |
Low |
Recovery Time |
Slow |
Fast |
Back to Daily routine |
1-2 Weeks |
1-2 days |
Hospitalization |
3-4 Days |
24 Hours |
Success Rate |
High |
High |
Prevention
Preventing an umbilical cord hernia in your child is beyond your control. Similarly, prevention may not always be feasible for adults.As an adult, minimizing activities that exert pressure on your abdomen (such as frequent heavy lifting) can lower the risk of hernias. Maintaining a healthy weight is also a proactive measure to reduce the likelihood of developing a hernia.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Treatment Umbilical Hernia
| Laparoscopic Treatment |
|---|
Minimal Cut/Minimal Stitch |
General Anaesthesia |
24 hour Hospital Admission |
Join duty with in 2-3 Days |
Advance Technology |
What To Do After Umbilical Hernia Surgery?
After a hernia operation, it is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery. While individual instructions may vary, here are some general guidelines:
- Rest and Limit Activities: Allow your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and intense physical exertion during the initial recovery period.
- Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed by your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended.
- Incision Care: Follow any instructions for caring for your incision site. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid irritating substances.
- Diet: Follow any dietary recommendations provided by your surgeon. It’s common to start with a light diet and gradually progress to normal eating as tolerated.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to aid in the healing process. Drink plenty of water, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.
- Mobility and Gentle Exercises: While avoiding strenuous activities, engage in gentle movements and walking to promote circulation and prevent stiffness. Follow any specific exercise instructions provided by your healthcare team.
- Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns.
- Watch for Complications: Be aware of signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, fever, or any unusual symptoms.
- Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Ease back into your normal routine gradually, following your surgeon’s guidance. Resume regular activities only when given the green light by your healthcare team.
- Support System: Seek support from family and friends during your recovery. Having assistance with daily tasks and emotional support can contribute to a smoother healing process.
Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific surgery and health condition.
