Umbilical hernia or umbilical hernia is a common condition. Although it is more common in infants, it can also be seen in adults. The umbilical cord (umbilical cord) is a structure that connects the mother and the baby in the womb. This ligament passes through a small gap between the baby's abdominal muscles. This gap through which the umbilical cord passes is usually closed after birth.
Umbilical Hernia in Babies
Umbilical hernia in babies; It occurs as a result of incomplete closure of the muscles and layers forming the abdominal wall. This causes the abdominal wall around the belly button to remain weak. An umbilical hernia occurs when organs such as the intestine protrude from this weak abdominal wall.
Umbilical hernia is seen in approximately 20% of newborn babies. An umbilical hernia usually does not cause any discomfort, and in 90% of babies with a hernia, the hernia resolves on its own. If the umbilical hernia does not close on its own until the age of 4, it may require treatment. result arises. Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight have a higher risk of umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernia in adults occurs due to excessive increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Conditions such as being overweight, multiple pregnancies, persistent and heavy coughing, previous abdominal surgeries can increase intra-abdominal pressure and cause umbilical hernia.
- It is the swelling seen around the belly button, especially when the baby is crying and coughing. This swelling may not be seen when the baby is comfortable, but becomes evident when the abdominal wall becomes tense.
- Pain in the baby,
- The baby suddenly starts to vomit,
- Situations such as swelling or redness in the umbilical hernia may be situations that require urgent treatment. Therefore, in cases where one or more of these symptoms are observed in the baby, the nearest health institution should be consulted.
- Fever,
- Constipation,
- Severe abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- It can be listed as swelling, redness and color change in the hernia area.
What to Do for Umbilical Hernia in Babies?
When an umbilical hernia is suspected in babies It would be helpful to consult a pediatrician. The doctor detects the hernia with a physical examination. During the examination, it is checked whether the hernia is the type that can be pushed back into the abdomen or the type that is fixed in place. Fixed hernia that cannot be pushed back into the abdomen; can cause more serious complications. In this type of hernia, there is a higher risk of tissue damage due to decreased blood flow in the intestinal sections.
How is Umbilical Hernia Diagnosed?
Although the diagnosis is basically made by physical examination, to investigate the complications that may be caused by the hernia:
- Abdominal ultrasound or abdominal Imaging methods such as film can be used.
- Blood test is also a test that can be used in the evaluation of infection, which is a complication of hernia.
Baby How does an umbilical hernia pass? In some cases, the doctor can fix the hernia by pushing it into the abdomen. Only doctors can do this application. It is strongly not recommended for a non-doctor to try this. In cases where the hernia does not close on its own or causes complications, treatment may be required. Treatment of umbilical hernia in infants is the surgical repair of the hernia. In umbilical hernia:- Does not require surgery until 2 years of age,
- A defect of 2.5 cm and above is operated between 2 and 7 years of age,
- All defects above 7 years of age are operated
- It is definitely not appropriate to close the umbilical hernia by applying pressure dressing on infants. It does not help in premature closure, but it can also cause harm.
Surgical surgery is recommended for the treatment of umbilical hernia in adults in order to prevent the development of complications such as the enlargement of the hernia and becoming painful.
Umbilical Hernia in Babies How is the Surgery Performed?
Umbilical hernia surgery in babies; It is a short, simple operation. For surgery, an incision is made near the belly button. The tissues in the hernia are put back to their original place in the abdomen. The abdominal wall is also strengthened so that the hernia does not recur. Hernia surgery can be performed open or closed (laparoscopically). In open surgery, hernia repair is performed with an incision on the abdomen, while in closed surgery, the operation is performed through small holes opened in the abdomen. In hernia repair in children, sutures are used to strengthen the abdominal wall. In adults, the abdominal wall is reinforced with a mesh material.
Before the surgery, it is very important to follow the surgeon's instructions. Food consumption may be restricted for a few hours before the surgical procedure. The operation is usually short and does not require a long hospital stay. However, these conditions may not apply to every patient. Conditions such as the development of complications in the patient may prolong both the duration of the operation and the duration of hospitalization. A few weeks of movement restriction is given for the post-operative period. This is important for the smooth healing of the operated area and the stability of the sutures.&nb. sp;
Surgical sutures can be made using special materials that dissolve by themselves. In the case of using normal stitches, the stitches are removed in the post-operative control. The area of the surgical wound can be covered with gauze for a period of 4-5 days. In this way, the wound site is protected from microorganisms that can cause infection on the skin. Although umbilical hernia surgery is usually an easy and short-term procedure, it can cause some complications like any surgical operation. Complications are rare. Post-operative:
- Infection at the wound site,
- Recurrence of hernia,
- Headache,
- Legs numbness,
- It is recommended that people with signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting,
- fever, consult their doctor.
How to Prevent Umbilical Hernia Formation?
Umbilical hernia seen in babies develops due to anomalies in the abdominal wall. There is no known way to prevent these hernias. However, umbilical hernia seen in adults occurs due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Therefore, umbilical hernia seen in adults can be prevented to a certain extent.
- Because obesity can cause umbilical hernia, losing weight reduces the risk of hernia.
- Continuous coughing increases intra-abdominal pressure. Conditions such as smoking, occupational exposure to various chemicals; damage the respiratory system. It can lead to lung diseases such as COPD with a persistent cough. Quitting smoking and taking the necessary precautions in the workplaces reduce the risk of both lung diseases and umbilical hernia.
- Lifting heavy loads can also cause an umbilical hernia. It may be beneficial not to lift heavy loads to prevent the formation of an umbilical hernia or to prevent the progression of the disease in people with hernia. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
Read: 22
