How Is Umbilical Hernia Diagnosed And Treated In Adults?
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when a tissue bulges out through an opening of the muscles on the abdomen near the navel or the belly button. About 10% of hernias are umbilical hernias. The hernia may contain tissue from the abdomen, part of an organ (such as the intestine), or fluid.
What enhances the risk for an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernia in adults usually happen because of a hole or weak area in your abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias occur more often in women than in men. The following may increase your risk for an umbilical hernia:
- Being overweight
- Age older than 60
- Fluid in your abdomen (ascites)
- A large growth in your abdomen
- Pregnancy, especially more than one pregnancy
- Chronic constipation or straining to have bowel movements
- Repeated coughing caused by lung disease such as COPD
What are the signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias usually do not cause any pain. Your hernia may disappear when you lay flat. You may have any of the following:
- A bulge or swelling in or near your belly button
- A bulge that gets bigger when you cough, strain to have a bowel movement, or sit up
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will usually find the hernia during an exam. You may need an ultrasound or x-ray. These tests may show if tissue, fluid, or an organ is trapped inside the hernia. The tests will also help your provider plan your treatment.
How is an umbilical hernia treated?
Your hernia may go away without treatment. However, your healthcare provider may be able to reduce your hernia. They will put firm, steady pressure on your hernia until it disappears behind the abdominal wall. You may need surgery to fix the hernia if it cannot be reduced. Surgery will also be required if your intestines or other organ get trapped inside the hernia. This can stop blood flow to the organ and become an emergency.
In general, there is a nonsurgical procedure, as well as surgical procedures, such as open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, and robotic hernia repair.
