Umbilical Hernia Treatment Options
An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through an opening in the abdominal wall. It may be congenital or acquired.
Umbilical hernias occur when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. They usually appear during pregnancy, although they can also happen after birth.
The most common type of umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This weakness can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. Other causes include chronic coughing, straining while lifting heavy objects, obesity, and certain medications.
If you think you might have an umbilical hernia, see your doctor right away. He or she will examine your abdomen and ask questions about your symptoms. A CT scan or ultrasound exam may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis
There are several treatment options available for umbilical hernias. Surgery is often recommended when there is pain or discomfort associated with the hernia. In some cases, surgery is not necessary. However, surgical repair is usually performed by a surgeon who specializes in hernia care.
Surgery
If you decide to undergo surgery, your doctor will perform a procedure called an open incisional hernia repair. This involves making a small cut in the skin and muscle layers of the abdomen to expose the defect. A mesh patch is then inserted into the defect and secured in place using stitches.
Recovery
After surgery, you should expect some discomfort and swelling as well as bruising and soreness at the site of the incision. You may also feel tired and weak for several days following surgery. You may need to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks.
The most common type of umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
If you have a small hernia, you may not notice any symptoms. However, if the hernia is large, you may experience pain, tenderness, or bulging. In addition, you may have difficulty passing gas or stool.