Umbilical hernia in women is relatively common, especially when it comes to mature patients. This disease, which, by the way, may be accompanied by various symptoms, is a serious threat to the health and well-being of a woman. That is why it is very important to know about the main symptoms of the disease, as this increases the chance of a quick and painless treatment.
What is an umbilical hernia in women: photo and description
In some women, for one reason or another, part of the internal organs extends beyond the abdominal wall through the umbilical ring. As a rule, these are areas of the large or small intestine, less often the omentum or other organs. This is how umbilical hernia is formed in women. The photo shows what the hernial sac looks like .
Naturally, it is not so easy to notice the appearance of the disease in the early stages, but as the hernia develops, you can even see the hernia with the naked eye. In modern surgery, this is one of the most common problems, from which even newborn girls often suffer. If we are talking about adult women, then a hernia, as a rule, forms after 40 years, which is associated with a gradual depletion of connective tissue and a weakening of the umbilical ring.
The main causes of the development of the disease
In modern medical practice, umbilical hernia in women is often diagnosed. Symptoms of it can be different. But before considering them, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main reasons for the formation of a hernial sac:
- genetic inheritance;
- weakening of connective tissue elements;
- the presence of excess weight, obesity of varying degrees;
- undeveloped muscles of the peritoneum, lack of abdominal pressure;
- excessive physical exertion;
- difficult pregnancy, childbirth with complications, multiple pregnancy;
- malnutrition;
- chronic constipation;
- the presence of postoperative scars;
- serious disturbances in the digestive tract.
In fact, there are many more risk factors. For example, a hernia is more often diagnosed in people prone to bad habits, in particular smoking and alcoholism. Also, a frequent severe cough can provoke a hernia, which creates additional tension of the abdominal wall.
Umbilical hernia in women: symptoms
In the early stages, it is very difficult to notice a hernia, since it does not cause serious discomfort. But as the hernial sac grows and grows, a small bulge forms around the navel, which is especially noticeable in an upright position. The protrusion becomes more noticeable with strong physical exertion or overeating.
There are other signs of umbilical hernia in women. Quite often, the bulge on the abdomen turns red and inflamed. Patients often complain of severe pulling pains, which become stronger when lifting weights, prolonged physical activity, laughter, coughing, bowel movements. In the presence of such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
What is dangerous hernia?
Umbilical hernia in women is an extremely serious disease. In the absence of timely treatment, the disease is fraught with serious complications. To begin with, it is worth noting that constant pain significantly impairs digestion, as the hernial sac puts pressure on the intestines. The result of the disease is often constant nausea, vomiting and chronic constipation.
In addition, a hernia can compress the nerve endings and blood vessels, which leads to a violation of trophic tissue. In turn, this can lead to necrotic processes, suppuration and sepsis. One of the serious complications of a hernia is peritonitis - inflammation of the abdominal wall. This condition is extremely dangerous and requires immediate surgical intervention. As a result of a stroke or injury, hemorrhage in the hernial sac is possible, which also requires surgery.
Basic diagnostic methods
First, the doctor should conduct a general examination. Umbilical hernia in women can be detected by palpation of the abdomen. In the future, additional examinations are prescribed in order to determine the stage of the development of the disease, to check which organs are affected, whether pinching and necrosis are present. In particular, ultrasound and fluoroscopic examinations, as well as gastroscopy, are very informative. In addition, in the process of diagnosis, the cause of the development of the disease should be detected, since without its elimination the risk of relapse is very high.
Non-surgical hernia treatment
Quite often, the surgeon’s office is diagnosed with an umbilical hernia in women. Treatment without surgery - is it possible? If the disease was detected at the initial stage, then conservative therapy can help. First of all, a special diet is made for the patient, and funds are also prescribed for the treatment of constipation. It is also recommended to abandon increased physical activity, weight lifting, etc.
Medical massage courses will also be useful. And the doctor will probably recommend special exercises that will not cause damage to the state of health, but will help strengthen the muscles of the press. Sometimes patients are prescribed wearing special plasters and bandages that relieve stress from the anterior abdominal wall. Approximately this treatment regimen requires umbilical hernia in women. Treatment without surgery is possible only in the initial stages, and even then it does not always give the expected effect.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgical intervention is necessary at later stages of the development of the disease, as well as in the event that conservative treatment did not give the necessary results. After careful preparation for the procedure, the umbilical hernia in women "closes". The operation is quite simple (in the absence of infringements and necrosis), performed under general anesthesia. There are several basic methods of the procedure:
- With tension herneoplasty, the area around the navel is strengthened using the patient’s own connective tissue. This technique is effective for small hernias.
- At later stages of the development of the disease, non-tensioned herneoplasty is performed, which involves strengthening the umbilical ring with synthetic implants.
- In some cases, minimally invasive laparoscopy can be performed. During surgery, two small punctures are made in the abdominal wall, through which the hernia is closed with a special stack. This technique provides low invasiveness and a short rehabilitation period. On the other hand, laparoscopy requires special equipment and appropriate surgical skills, so not every hospital is carried out.
- A restrained umbilical hernia in women is an emergency condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. During the procedure, the patient is made an incision on the abdominal wall, after which the restraining ring is cut.
After the operation, it is extremely important for a woman to follow the doctor's recommendations, wear a special bandage, limit physical activity and follow a diet.
Forecasts and basic methods of prevention
With proper and timely treatment, umbilical hernia in women can be completely cured. Nevertheless, the likelihood of relapses is still possible. As for prevention, then patients belonging to the risk group are advised to monitor nutrition, treat dysbiosis and constipation on time. Also, a constant special gymnastics aimed at strengthening the muscles of the abdominal press will positively affect the condition of the woman. During pregnancy, it is necessary to wear a bandage that will remove the load from the umbilical ring.