Umbilical Hernia Repair Explained

1
UMBILICAL HERNIA REPAIR EXPLAINED

• By
• Dr. Valeria Simone MD
• (Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA)

2
Overview

• Umbilical hernia repair surgery is often done
  with a piece of mesh to make the abdominal wall
  stronger. An umbilical hernia happens when parts
  from the belly come out through the umbilical
  ring. It is important to get help quickly to
  prevent issues such as blood clots.
• Factors like the size of the hernia and your
  overall health can change how the repair is done.
  Taking care of yourself after surgery is very
  important for a good result in umbilical hernia
  repair.

3
Key Highlights

• Umbilical hernias occur when tissues protrude
  through the abdominal wall in the area
  surrounding the belly button.
• This condition is common in infants, and it often
  goes away by the time they are 4 or 5 years old.
  Surgery is usually necessary to fix an umbilical
  hernia in an adult.
• In adults, being overweight, heavy lifting, and
  having several pregnancies can cause umbilical
  hernias.
• People with umbilical hernias may notice a
  visible bump and feel discomfort or pain,
  especially when they exert themselves.
• The main treatment for umbilical hernia repair is
  surgery, which usually uses mesh to strengthen
  the abdominal wall.
• After surgery, most patients feel better quickly
  and have a low chance of returning of hernia.

4
Understanding Umbilical Hernias

• Umbilical hernias happen when fatty tissue or a
  part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot
  in the abdominal wall near the belly button area.
  You can often see this as a bump or swelling. It
  may hurt, especially if you lift heavy things or
  strain yourself. Small umbilical hernias usually
  dont cause any symptoms.
• However, larger ones may require surgical repair
  to avoid problems. Up to 2 of the adult
  population may experience this condition, so it
  is important to recognize the signs and risk
  factors of umbilical hernias. Knowing this can
  help you get the right diagnosis and care on time.

5
What is an Umbilical hernia or Umbilical
Herniorrhaphy?

• An umbilical hernia happens when part of the
  intestine or fat pushes through a small opening
  in the abdominal wall. This often occurs near the
  belly button. It can happen if the muscles in the
  abdominal wall do not close completely while a
  baby is growing, leaving a weak spot.
• The umbilical cord connects the mother to her
  unborn child during pregnancy. It passes through
  a small opening. After the baby is born, this
  opening normally closes. However, there are
  instances when it partially opens. If that
  happens, an umbilical hernia can form. This is
  more common if there is a lot of pressure in the
  belly area.
• Umbilical hernias are quite common, especially in
  babies. In general, they are usually not
  considered dangerous. Though problems do occur
  occasionally. When that happens, surgery may be
  necessary to solve the issue and stop any future
  problems.

6
Types of Umbilical Hernia

• Umbilical hernias can look similar, but there are
  several types. The differences are based on how
  serious they are and their special
  characteristics
• Reducible umbilical hernias Most cases,
  particularly in newborns, include reducible
  umbilical hernias. The tissue that sticks out can
  be pushed back into the abdominal cavity gently.
  Usually, they do not need quick treatment, but it
  is important to keep an eye out for any issues.
• Incarcerated hernias This type happens when the
  tissue gets stuck in the umbilical ring, which is
  the opening in the abdominal wall. It can be
  painful and tender. This type often needs quick
  medical help.
• Strangulated hernias Among hernias, the most
  serious type of hernia is a strangulated hernia.
  Here, the stuck tissue loses its blood supply.
  Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency and
  need fast surgery to stop any tissue damage.
• It is very important to get medical help quickly
  for these kinds of hernias. Doing so can aid in
  the avoidance of major problems.

7
Causes Behind Umbilical Hernias in Children

• The main reason kids have umbilical hernias is
  because of how they grow before they are born.
  When a fetus grows, the umbilical cord brings
  blood and nutrients through a hole in the
  abdominal wall.
• Usually, this hole closes after the baby is born.
• Sometimes, if the abdominal wall does not join
  completely, a weak spot can stay. This weak spot
  makes it easier for an umbilical hernia to form.
• Most umbilical hernias in kids are not dangerous.
  They usually heal by the time the child is 4 or 5
  years of age, during the early years of life.
• However, larger hernias, or ones that do not
  disappear by then may need surgery to avoid
  problems. Its important to watch for any changes
  and get medical help if needed to keep the child
  healthy.

8
Causes of Umbilical Hernia in Adults

• There is a difference between umbilical hernias
  in children and adults. They usually happen when
  there is extra pressure on the abdominal wall and
  when the abdominal muscles are weak. Some causes
  of this extra pressure include
• Obesity puts a lot of stress on the abdominal
  wall.
• Many pregnancies can stretch the abdominal
  muscles.
• Other things can lead to umbilical hernias. This
  includes long-lasting coughing, pushing hard
  during bowel movements, and lifting heavy things.
  These actions increase pressure on the abdominal
  wall. This is especially the case for people with
  weaker abdominal muscles.
• Knowing what causes umbilical hernias is
  important. Changing some habits in your life may
  help you manage and prevent these hernias in
  adults.

9
Signs and Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia

• Recognizing an umbilical hernia is important for
  quick diagnosis and treatment. The main sign is a
  noticeable bump near the belly button. This bump
  may appear when you laugh, cough, or lift
  something heavy.
• Some hernias do not have any signs. Others can
  cause discomfort, pain, or a feeling of fullness
  in your stomach. In serious cases, like an
  incarcerated or strangulated hernia, you may feel
  sharp pain.
• You could also feel nausea, vomit, and notice
  redness around the belly button. It is important
  to notice these signs quickly to get the
  emergency surgery and medical help you need.

10
Identifying Common Symptoms

• An umbilical hernia looks like a noticeable bump
  or swelling around the belly button. You may see
  this bump get bigger when you cough, laugh, or
  work hard. It can become smaller or go away when
  you lie down or relax.
• Often, babies feel no pain or discomfort.
• You might feel a sense of fullness or pressure in
  your stomach. This can happen after eating or
  when you are active.
• If you see a strange bump or feel pain near your
  belly button, you should visit a doctor. The
  doctor will do a physical exam. They may also use
  tests, like an abdominal ultrasound, to see what
  is wrong. After that, they will tell you the best
  steps to take.

11
What are the complications of an Umbilical Hernia?

• While most umbilical hernias are not harmful,
  especially in babies, they can sometimes cause
  problems that need medical help. One of these
  problems is an incarcerated hernia, which poses a
  risk of incarceration when a part of the
  intestine or fat gets stuck in the hernia defect
  and cannot be pushed back in. It can lead to
• Pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A more serious problem is strangulated hernia.
  This happens when the blood supply to a trapped
  part of the tissue is blocked. It is an emergency
  that needs surgery right away. Quick action is
  needed to fix the blood flow and avoid tissue
  damage or death.
• Getting diagnosed and treated for umbilical
  hernias fast can lower the risks they cause. If
  you suspect you may be suffering from a hernia,
  it is crucial to consult a medical expert.

12
When to Seek Medical Advice

• Not every umbilical hernia needs immediate
  treatment, but its important to know when to see
  a doctor. If you or your child notices a bump
  near the belly button that doesnt disappear, you
  should consult a doctor.
• Keep an eye out for any changes in the hernias
  size or color.
• If the lump hurts, feels tender, or changes
  color, go see a doctor right away.
• If you feel other symptoms like nausea, vomiting,
  constipation, or fever, visit a healthcare
  provider quickly.
• Seeing a doctor immediately may be necessary if
  you have these symptoms. It is very important to
  notice problems early and treat them. By doing
  this, you can prevent serious issues and better
  manage umbilical hernias.

13
Diagnosis Process for Umbilical Hernias

• Diagnosing an umbilical hernia begins with a
  physical exam. The doctor will check your belly
  button for any bumps, especially when you cough
  or push. They will also try to push the hernia
  back into place, which is known as reducible.
• Your doctor might recommend some imaging tests to
  find and examine the hernia. This could be an
  abdominal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to
  take pictures inside your body. An enhanced and
  more precise picture can be obtained with a CT
  scan.
• These actions help the doctor see how serious the
  hernia is. They also help him pick the best
  treatment option.

14
How to diagnose an Umbilical Hernia?

• A physical examination is the first step in
  diagnosing an umbilical hernia. While examining
  you, your doctor will feel gently for a bulge
  around your belly button.
• They might ask you to cough or push. This helps
  them see the hernia more clearly. If the bulging
  tissue can easily move back into the abdomen,
  its usually a simple diagnosis. Sometimes, your
  doctor may need tests like an abdominal
  ultrasound or a CT scan.
• These tests help you see the hernia better. They
  show how big it is, where it is located, and any
  problems that might occur. After your doctor
  checks the results, they can suggest the best
  treatment for it.

15
Treatment Options for Umbilical Hernia Repair

• Treatment for umbilical hernia repair and ventral
  hernias varies based on the persons age,
  symptoms, and the size of the hernia. Small
  hernias in babies can sometimes disappear on
  their own if they are watched closely.
• However, adults usually need surgery to prevent
  issues such as incarceration or strangulation.
  When doctors recommend surgery, they look at the
  size of the hernia, the symptoms, and the
  patients overall health after a thorough
  physical examination.

16
Non-Surgical Approaches and Their Efficacy

• Surgery is usually the best way to fix umbilical
  hernias. However, some people may prefer
  different choices. For adults, one choice is
  watchful waiting. This means watching small
  hernias that dont cause big symptoms instead of
  rushing into surgery right away.
• Its important to know that non-surgical methods
  do not fix a hernia. Instead, they help manage
  symptoms and keep an eye out for any problems.
• You should talk to your doctor to see if watchful
  waiting is the right choice for you. They will
  consider things like the size of the hernia, how
  you feel, and your overall health.
• Its very important to have regular check-ups
  during this time. These visits will help monitor
  the hernia and determine if the treatment should
  change.

17
Umbilical Hernia Surgery
18

• Surgical repair is the only treatment to best
  treat umbilical hernias in adults and children
  with ongoing cases, particularly those involving
  the anterior abdominal wall. This type of surgery
  addresses the main problem.
• The procedure starts with a small incision made
  close to the abdominal button. Then, the doctor
  carefully puts the pushed-out tissue back into
  the abdominal cavity. Finally, the doctor
  strengthens the weak part of the abdominal wall.
• Technique Open surgery makes a big cut, while
  laparoscopic surgery makes small cuts. As a
  result, the healing process is accelerated, and
  scarring is reduced.
• Mesh Use Doctors often use surgical mesh for
  extra support. This is a strong material that
  helps make the abdominal wall stronger and
  reduces the risk of recurrence.
• Anesthesia The procedure usually happens with
  general anesthesia. This keeps the patient
  comfortable during the operation.
• Your surgeon will choose the best way to do the
  surgery and if they will use mesh. They will look
  at several factors. These include the size and
  place of the hernia, your overall health, and any
  surgeries you have had before.

19
Post-Operative Care and Recovery

• After umbilical hernia repair, please listen to
  your surgeons advice closely. Your recovery time
  will be significantly reduced with this. Remember
  to take your medicines, attend follow-up
  appointments, and care for your incision.
• Lets explore more Umbilical Hernia Repair
  Expert Guide - Southlake General Surgery

20
Make an Appointment

• To book an appointment with Dr. Valeria Simone,
  MD, at Southlake General Surgery in Texas, USA,
  call 1 [phone]. You can also make an
  online appointment with us. Dr. Simone is an
  expert in umbilical hernia repair.
• She can assist you with your surgical options,
  the use of mesh for repairs, and open repair
  methods. If you think you have an umbilical
  hernia or need help with a hernia problem, dont
  wait to schedule a consultation. Dr. Simone
  provides caring support for your abdominal health
  needs.

21

• Medically Reviewed By Dr. Valeria Simone MD
• Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake
  General Surgery, Texas, USA.
• Follow us on Facebook and YouTube.
• Source Umbilical Hernia Repair Expert Guide -
  Southlake General Surgery

22
THANK YOU!
SOUTHLAKE GENERAL SURGERY
1545 E. Southlake Blvd, Suite 270 Southlake, TX
EMAIL info_at_southlakegeneralsurgery.com
VISIT US AT www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com