Bulge in your navel? Could be Umbilical Hernia

Your navel, or belly button, is where the umbilical cord enters your body to provide you nourishment when you were a fetus. After birth, the opening closes naturally, creating the navel. An umbilical hernia is a condition where a part of your intestine protrudes through a gap or weak spot in your abdominal muscles at or near the navel. This is a common condition in infants and the protrusion often recedes within the first 2 years of life. If the condition remains till the 4^th or 5^th year, surgery may be required to fix it. Umbilical hernia in children is usually painless and causes no physical discomfort.

Umbilical Hernia in Adults

Umbilical hernia in adults occur for a number of reasons, the most common of which are being clinically obese, lifting of heavy objects or having a chronic and/or persistent cough. In women, multiple pregnancies increase the risk of hernia. The bulge of the hernia may recede when lying down and become more apparent while standing, coughing, going to the toilet or laughing. If the hernia is large, there may be varying degrees of pain and discomfort. If any of the following symptoms exist, the treatment of the condition has probably been delayed already:

• The area of the hernia becomes painful
• The size of the bulge increases
• Pressure on the bulge causes increased pain

Although an umbilical hernia is not considered a critical medical condition, the longer the treatment is delayed, the greater is the risk of developing complications.

Diagnosis

An umbilical hernia is diagnosed during a physical examination. If the doctor suspects there may be complications such a bowel obstruction, additional tests such as X-rays, blood tests and ultrasounds may be required.

Treatment

The standard treatment for umbilical hernia in adults is through surgery where the bulge is pushed back into place and the abdominal wall is strengthened to prevent the condition from occurring again. The operation is typically a quick one and either open or laparoscopic surgery may be used, depending on what the surgeon thinks is best for the patient.

• In the cases of open procedure the surgeon will make an incision and then, through the opening in the abdomen, use mesh and stiches to close the gap or weak areas of the muscles.
• In laparoscopic surgery (or keyhole surgery as it is also known) only a very small incision is made in the abdomen and special minute tools are used the make put the mesh and stiches in place.

In both cases, the recovery time in minimal and often the patient is able to return home on the same day of the surgery. Follow up visits are required to monitor the progress of the recovery.

If you find a bulge in or near your navel, possibilities are, it could be an umbilical hernia. Even if there is no pain or discomfort, it should be examined by a doctor so that the required treatment can be prescribed to correct the problem before complications set in. While an umbilical hernia is not, in itself, a major medical condition, if not treated in time, it may cause other health problems, many of which may be serious. If you suspect you have a hernia condition, visit a hospital that has a specialized Gastroenterology Center of Excellence which ensures that you will receive the best possible care and treatment.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801