Umbilical Hernia

What is Umbilical Hernia?

In its simplest terms, this ailment is a condition in which fat or intestinal tissues pass through a region close to the belly button and a protrusion occurs towards the outside. In this disorder, the fat and intestinal tissues extend towards the place where the umbilical cord connecting the mother and the baby passes through the small opening in the abdominal cavity during the baby’s period in the mother’s womb. Well, which part looks at the umbilical hernia? We can answer this question, which is frequently asked by people who have or suspect this disease, as the department of general surgery.

Umbilical hernias in babies are quite common and not harmful. Newborn umbilical hernia usually closes on its own without the need for any surgical intervention and treatment until the baby is two years old. Sometimes it can be seen that this closure process continues until the baby’s fifth year, but if it still hasn’t closed from the fourth year of age, this condition requires surgical intervention. When this health problem, which is also seen in adults, is suspected, a doctor should be consulted and surgical intervention should be performed when necessary.

Umbilical Hernia Symptoms

Before moving on to the symptoms of this ailment, “ Why does an umbilical hernia happen ?” It would be more accurate to answer the question. This discomfort, which can occur due to excessive straining, high weight, careless behavior, excessive pressure, loading on the waist and lifting heavy loads, seriously affects the quality of life.

So,  how is the diagnosis of umbilical hernia diagnosed ? The answers to this question vary according to age and from person to person. Symptoms of the disease are different from each other in infants and adults. The most important symptom of this disorder in babies can be expressed as the navel sticking out while the baby cries. In adults, symptoms such as difficulty in walking and daily movements are seen with the pain caused by the navel opening. In the area where the belly button is located, a large, painful swelling that can be easily noticed from the outside is seen. In some cases, the damage or symptoms of an umbilical hernia may not be noticed. In such cases, patients do not experience pain and no visible swelling occurs.

One of the questions that patients wonder during this process is “ Does an umbilical hernia cause pain??” is the answer to the question. If the hernia is small enough to find a place in the umbilical cavity, the intestines may enter this area and suffocate, causing serious pain. Hernia strangulation is a serious problem that can put people at risk of death. The larger the hernias are in size, the greater the person’s risk of strangulating hernia. It has also been confirmed that the risk of strangulation is much higher in this type of hernia compared to other hernia types. For this reason, hernias seen in adults should be treated as soon as possible, even if they are very small. In addition, people ask, “What happens if I don’t have an umbilical hernia surgery?” He often wonders about the answer to his question. Although the answer to this question varies from person to person, it is possible to say that the quality of life will be negatively affected. The diagnosis of umbilical hernia can usually be made by examination. If necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed by ultrasound.

Umbilical Hernia Surgery

In the scope of the treatment of umbilical hernia  , the patch method is usually used. With this method, it is aimed for the patient to stand up and regain his old health in a very short time. Patients who are operated on with the patch method usually have a painless and short-term recovery. Patch treatment may not be applied for small hernias because the hernia must be large in order to perform surgery with the patch method. In its simplest form, even when you search for “umbilical hernia picture” from search engines, you can see the difference between large and small hernias.

It is not possible for the hernia to recur in hernia surgery performed with the patch method, and this method provides a great deal of protection in preventing the disease from recurring. In the post-operative period, the patient should not lift heavy loads and should drink plenty of water for 2 days. So,  how long does open umbilical hernia surgery take ? These surgeries, which may take longer in the elderly or people with another disease, are usually completed in 2-3 hours in normal adults. How many hours does a normal surgery take? It is possible to answer the question between 30 and 60 minutes.

After Umbilical Hernia Surgery

If the hernia repair was performed with an open method on the navel, you can leave the hospital approximately 6-8 hours after the operation. In laparoscopic surgeries, you stay in the hospital for one night and leave in the morning of the next day. It is normal to have swelling in the abdomen after umbilical hernia surgery  . If you have less pain with this swelling, this problem can be easily controlled with painkillers. In addition, you should not return to your daily activities immediately after the surgery, and you should wait at least 3 weeks to return to your old active life.

The use of a corset after umbilical hernia surgery  shortens the recovery period of the person who had the surgery. The special corsets used in this ailment also help reduce the risk of hernia recurrence in patients.

It is possible to specify the points to be considered after the surgery as follows:

• You can follow a normal diet.
• You can continue to take your painkillers as recommended by your doctor.
• You can continue your daily activities in the same way. (Under the conditions recommended by the doctor.)
• You can take a shower.
• If you have had an operation, you should make sure that a relative is accompanying you for the first 24 hours after the operation.
• You should be extra sensitive about drinking water for the first 48 hours.
• As with any surgical intervention, stiffness, pain and tenderness may occur in your wound, this should not cause concern.

What Should Those With Umbilical Hernia Pay Attention To?

People with this disorder should stay away from sudden movements and carrying loads in their daily life routines, and also try not to consume foods that cause constipation. This disorder, in which factors such as straining, overloading, and being overweight play an effective role, requires controlled behavior.

As long as you experience this ailment; You should not lift heavy objects, put pressure on your waist, get rid of your excess weight and stay away from sudden movements. If you follow these steps, the discomfort will not affect your life routines to a great extent and you will not experience the  pain caused by the disease in your daily life  . You will minimize negative situations.

What Is Good For Umbilical Hernia? 

Not lifting heavy (there should be no pressure on the hernia), increasing fluid consumption (regulating bowel movements) and  consuming fibrous foods (to prevent constipation and reduce abdominal pressure) help to relieve discomfort.

Is There a Risk of Death in Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

The risk of death after hernia surgery is close to zero. The most important factors that increase the risk are:

• delayed diagnosis,
• chronic ailments,
• Senile,
• It can be expressed as a strangulated hernia.

What Happens If Umbilical Hernia Bursts?

By strangling the hernia , an explosion may occur. This causes disruption of blood flow in the part of the intestine. The part of the intestine with impaired blood flow thus begins to die and severe infections occur. As a result of all these, intestinal tissue loss may occur and if the infection spreads to the body, it may even result in death.

Sexuality After Umbilical Hernia Surgery 

Only specialist doctors in the field can give the exact time for returning to sexual activity after hernia surgery . However, it is possible to state that this period is mostly between 3-5 days in patients who pass under normal conditions and recover easily.

Umbilical Hernia During Pregnancy

It is recommended to wait for the healing of the hernia in order to become pregnant in women with discomfort or after surgery. If this is not possible, it   is more suitable for the patient to have this surgery performed for the treatment of the disease.

Umbilical Hernia Exercises

Strengthening the abdominal muscles plays an important role in the healing of umbilical hernia . For this reason, doing exercises such as walking plays an active role in the treatment of the disease. Exercises that you will perform by walking at a light pace for 45 minutes a day will both strengthen your muscles and help you regain your health. ,

Exercises performed in water are also very effective in this process. Walking in the pool, bending and getting up in the pool will strengthen your muscles.

Does Umbilical Hernia Make Weight?

The answer to this question varies according to the size of the hernia and the condition of the patient’s other ailments. However, it can be said that excess weight  causes  umbilical hernia . Therefore, by maintaining your ideal weight, you can reduce your risk of developing this disease.

How Does Umbilical Hernia Pass?

It is possible to prevent this disease from growing with various physical therapy methods and exercises, but the only and definitive treatment for this disease is surgery. If the operation  is not performed , the hernia may grow and cause serious problems.

Is There a Risk of Recurrence in Those Who Have Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

There is a risk of recurrence of this condition, and the probability of this happening is variable. However, the recurrence risk of hernia is as low as 1% or 3% for 10 years after the operation. Generally , this rate is low in tension-free repairs  and higher in anatomical repairs.

Recurrence of the ailment; Most of the time, it is also due to some technical factors such as excessively tight repair, insufficient muscle tissue in the repair, overlooked hernia, insufficient patch size and inappropriate placement of the patch. For other questions about diseases and treatment methods, you  can click here  !