Umbilical hernia is the most common and common pathology in our time, which in terms of frequency of occurrence takes a rather high place. This deviation occurs due to violations in the umbilical ring. Simply put, this is the most vulnerable spot in the abdominal cavity. The navel cavity has virtually no fat, and it is not protected by muscle tissue, so it is an ideal place for a hernia to appear. How to determine if there is an umbilical hernia and in what ways you can get rid of it, read on.
The essence of the disease
With this pathology, bulging through the ring of some internal organs is noted, which fall into a kind of hernia bag, which is a film consisting of connective tissue. At first, the hernial protrusion is not very noticeable and significant, but after a while the umbilical ring will expand, and the hernia will expand, expand and cause discomfort.
Forms
The congenital form of the disease is usually of genetic origin. It is possible that a close relative could suffer from this ailment. An acquired disease usually appears as a result of the patient’s improper lifestyle. Usually it appears due to the weakened muscles of the abdominal wall and the navel ring. Also, an increased abdominal pressure is called a risk factor. This disease is usually acquired, which occurs usually as a result of the divergence of muscle fibers of the white line of the abdominal cavity. This condition can appear for a variety of reasons.
Risk factors
From experience, it can be noted that umbilical hernia can develop due to the following factors:
- pregnancy: multiple pregnancy, complex births, late pregnancy, polyhydramnios, other complications;
- increased intra-abdominal pressure: navel muscles lose elasticity, they can stretch and function poorly;
- chronic constipation;
- rapidly growing tumors in the abdominal cavity of any nature;
- ascites;
- digestive diseases that accompany flatulence;
- physical exercise;
- lifting heavy objects;
- obesity or rapid weight loss;
- impaired collagen synthesis;
- some sports;
- surgery or trauma to the abdomen;
- immobility;
- weakness of the connective umbilical tissue.
Symptoms
How to identify umbilical hernia in adults? You need to know that it is characterized by the appearance of protrusion. It usually consists of a piece of skin, subcutaneous fat, and a small part of the abdominal organ. In most cases, the hernial sac contains the colon or small intestine and omentum. Each patient has a protrusion of its own dimensions. Sometimes it can be hidden, and with a visual inspection it is impossible to see it, but it will be possible to feel it. If the hernia is too large and complicated by the formation of adhesions, then the defect that appears is always noticeable. Known patients who had an umbilical hernia of simply gigantic proportions. To know how to determine an umbilical hernia in an infant or adult, you need to familiarize yourself with the information below.
Pathology Features
A pathological formation in the form of a hernia often appears when exposed to certain factors. This is usually due to lifting something heavy. In the initial stage, this problem does not cause any inconvenience. Patients manage to get used to the presence of such a hernia and sometimes even forget about it. If no symptoms are present, then this makes it impossible to identify a more serious pathology. There is an opinion that the appearance of protrusion in the navel is an anatomical feature of the body, but this is far from the case. Doctors always warn that any hernia is a danger to the health and life of the patient. The absence of certain symptoms does not help prevent an increase in the size of the hernia, although this process occurs gradually. A significant deterioration of the situation occurs when performing hard work or with prolonged tension of the abdomen.
The main symptoms
If infringement of a hernia occurs, then the patient's condition changes. In this case, it is important not to waste time and immediately seek medical help. An umbilical hernia after an infringement begins to hurt, and cases of the development of a shock state are frequent. A strong tension of the bag itself and a rapid increase in its size are noted.
To know how to determine the umbilical hernia in a newborn, you need to study the information below.
The umbilical cavity becomes swollen and acquires a reddish hue. In such a situation, it is impossible to correct it without the help of doctors. When pressed, the abdomen is soft enough, but as soon as bowel obstruction begins, the muscles of the abdominal cavity become excessively tense. In some cases, vomiting and hiccups are present. In a fairly short period of time, the patient's condition worsens so much that without the provision of qualified care, death can occur. This development is associated with the release of intestinal toxins, which cause poisoning of the whole organism.
How to determine the umbilical hernia in a child and an adult?
Modern medicine can easily determine the presence of an umbilical hernia. Pathological changes become noticeable even to a person without a special education. If a deviation is still found, it is important to consult a doctor. It is the specialist who must conduct all the necessary examinations and prescribe the appropriate treatment. After all, there are a lot of ways that allow you to determine the umbilical hernia in a child.
First, the patient undergoes a simple examination, during which the doctor should feel the stomach well. In addition, questions will be asked about the nature of the symptoms. After collecting certain data, a diagnosis can be made. To confirm the presence of umbilical hernia, a series of examinations is required. Ultrasound helps to see directly the hernia and determine the exact size. The organ that is inside the hernial sac is clearly visible on the monitor, and the presence or absence of adhesions is also confirmed.
If there are doubts about the diagnosis, it is recommended to undergo a herniography. A special substance will be introduced into the abdominal cavity, which when it enters the hernial sac begins to change its color. Thanks to this image, any deviation is clearly visible. X-rays using contrast provide an opportunity to timely detect the presence of an inflammatory process or the formation of a tumor. It is because of these pathologies that the patient may experience a feeling of pain.
Treatment
In an adult, an umbilical hernia is a rather complex disease, if we talk about the emotional side of the issue. The fact is that pathology is always noticeable, and it upsets the patient with his unattractiveness. It can be noted that a hernia of this type changes the natural forms and contours of the abdomen.
Pathological protrusions are not only an aesthetic defect. In adulthood, umbilical hernia develops much more complicated than in children. With untimely treatment, an umbilical hernia can acquire quite dangerous complications. How to treat umbilical hernia?
Spontaneously, this type of hernia can be eliminated in a child up to 5 years of age. Adults remove this defect, since the umbilical ring at a certain moment cannot return to its previous shape. Even wearing a bandage all the time may not help. The fact is that the treatment of this pathology with diets, compresses and tablets will not be effective. Eliminate the umbilical mass and restore the shape of the abdomen in adults can only be done surgically. It is best to perform surgery at the stage at which the hernial protrusion can be corrected without unpleasant consequences.
The operation, which helps to completely eliminate the umbilical hernia, is called hernioplasty. The optimal type of intervention depends on the anatomical features and sizes of the existing hernia formation, the condition of the patient, abdominal cavity, as well as the possible presence of other diseases. Before agreeing to an operation, the patient needs to undergo a full examination.
Modern herniology has truly extensive experience in the treatment of umbilical hernias, despite their nature and size. Complex, recurrent, huge hernias are quite quickly removed using a wide variety of methods for plastic surgery of the defect. Nowadays, this area of medicine is considered promising, and is actively developing. The level of modern treatment is constantly improving, which makes the forecasts of the effectiveness of radical therapy quite positive.
The essence of the operation
If the doctor prescribes an operation, in any case, the choice of umbilical hernia removal technique is determined solely individually. The main goal is the removal of hernia formation and the elimination of relapses with the least intervention in the body.
In the absence of infringement, a planned operation is performed, for which no special preparation is required. It is noteworthy that this surgical intervention is quite easily tolerated. Before the procedure, the doctor examines the patient, conducts a thorough examination, and also sets a date for hospitalization and surgery.
Tension hernioplasty
To strengthen the umbilical ring with a tension type of operation, own tissues are used. By pulling, an existing defect is closed. To gain access to the hernial sac, the surgeon makes an incision. With a small bag size, it is removed by immersion in the stomach. With a large hernia, it should be removed. Further, the umbilical ring is stitched and strengthened by adjacent connective tissues. The main disadvantage of traction hernioplasty is the risk of relapse, which occurs in about 10% of patients.
With this type of operation, the umbilical ring can be reinforced with synthetic nets. An incision in this operation is required, relapses are rare, and the rehabilitation period lasts about a month.
Laparoscopy
This is a widely used and well-known method for the treatment of umbilical hernia, which is also the safest. The main advantages of hernioplasty of this type are the absence of postoperative scars, the low likelihood of adhesions, as well as minimal injuries. To perform laparoscopy, experienced trained doctors use special high-precision equipment. This operation is carried out by means of a puncture, not an incision in the abdomen. To strengthen the umbilical ring, the surgeon uses a high-quality mesh implant. After surgery, the patient recovers much faster, and the time for rehabilitation is less.
If the patient has an infringement of the hernia, there may be a threat to the health and life of the patient. Organs fall into a special hernial sac, where there is practically no blood flow. As a result of this, suppuration begins, the organs die, which can lead to poisoning of the body by the produced toxic substances. These processes develop very quickly, so the patient may need an urgent operation.
During the operation, the hernial sac is opened, and the doctor examines the organ that is inside. In the absence of any pathological changes, it is again placed in the abdominal cavity. If part of the organ becomes dead, it should just be excised. Treatment of strangulated hernia is a rather complicated operation, and a positive outcome without complications and consequences is possible only with urgent treatment at a medical institution and proper treatment of umbilical hernia by qualified specialists.
Prevention
In modern medicine, umbilical hernia has become particularly widespread, so it is important to know the methods that will help prevent the development of this ailment. If at the very beginning of its development it does not cause particular inconvenience, then over time the situation will worsen.
Basic Rules
There are several basic rules that help protect against the appearance of an umbilical hernia. For example, doctors advise:
- use a bandage;
- a newborn needs to buy a special patch for the navel;
- performing massage movements;
- healthy lifestyle;
- regular exercise.
Since the disease often occurs during pregnancy, every woman should know how to determine the umbilical hernia after childbirth. And for prevention, you can use a special belt - a bandage.
Doctors advise wearing a bandage to men who are constantly engaged in heavy physical work. Under the influence of gravity, the abdomen receives a tremendous load, and internal organs fall out through a small part of the abdominal wall. If the hernia appeared unnoticed, then during this period it is recommended not to stop playing sports. When using a special belt, it is possible to protect the back and reduce the risk of umbilical formation.
Each time when examining the baby, the doctor pays special attention to the abdomen, and if the prerequisites for the appearance of a hernia are found, then it is necessary to purchase a special patch. Usually it is not removed for several days, even during the bathing process.