Umbilical hernia
According to statistics, a significant number of cases of umbilical hernia occur in the neonatal and infant period of a child's life, but adults also suffer from this disease. The pathology outwardly resembles a protrusion formed in the area of the umbilical ring. A hernia is a bag, the walls of which are the peritoneum, and the content is either a large omentum or loops of intestine.
Features of development and causes of pathology
Anatomical structure of a hernia:
- hernia bag;
- hernia gate;
- the contents of the hernia.
It is formed most often in babies who had a low birth weight or were born prematurely. At the same time, a protrusion is formed, which sometimes reaches 3 cm. An umbilical hernia in babies can grow and is usually easy to repair.
The main cause of the disease is congenital hereditary weakness of the muscles of the abdominal wall.
An umbilical hernia in a newborn can also develop due to:
- overweight;
- slow healing process of the umbilical ring;
- severe cough;
- constant loud cry (during colitis);
- rickets (causes a decrease in muscle tone);
- fasten;
- increased intra-abdominal pressure;
- prematurity;
- severe pathologies (congenital);
- complicated pregnancy.
If the natural umbilical hole in a newborn does not grow in time, a small hollow space is formed under the navel itself. Excessive tension, crying, screaming of the baby provoke an increase in the pressure inside the peritoneum and the subsequent exit of part of the intestine into the cavity. Externally, it manifests itself as a protrusion of the navel. Among adults, women suffer more often, especially those who have undergone pregnancy and childbirth, as a result of which the umbilical ring expanded.
Umbilical hernia (umbilical hernia) can be acquired or congenital.
Symptoms and complications of umbilical hernia in infants and adult patients
This pathology can be recognized by external signs. An umbilical hernia is a noticeable visual protrusion. It can have different sizes from 3 mm to 10 cm in diameter, disappear or increase when the position of the child's body changes. As a rule, during the straining of the abdominal muscles, the umbilical hernia in a child becomes more noticeable than when the baby is calmly lying on its back. Normally, it does not cause pain syndrome and can disappear on its own within 12 months.
In some cases, an umbilical hernia in babies is qualified as a "skinny navel", but in fact it is just a feature of the child. In order not to miss the pathology and not to confuse it with another disease or condition, you should seek medical help.
The main complications of the disease include:
- infringement;
- coprostasis, when fecal masses accumulate in the intestines;
- inflammation of the hernia itself;
- intestinal obstruction;
- damage to the hernia.
During the above states, parallel manifestations of nausea, flatulence, pain, and general weakness are also possible.
In the presence of a hernia, the following points should be the basis for immediate consultation of a specialist:
- the hernia has changed in size;
- the hernia started to hurt or became lighter;
- the size of the hernial protrusion is more than 15 mm. Most likely, it will not fall into place on its own;
- pathology appeared after 6 months of age;
- injury of the hernia is already in the anamnesis;
- the formation did not disappear until 6 years old;
- protrusion causes inconvenience and discomfort to the child.
Treatment of umbilical hernia in children and adults
If the presence of pathology does not affect the development of the child, the treatment of umbilical hernia without surgery is practiced. At the same time, it is important to monitor what the child eats, how often he goes to the toilet, and whether he is active during the day. You should try to prevent constipation and bouts of long exhausting coughing and crying, use conservative therapy (exercise, massage). Such tactics should be followed for umbilical hernia in children under 5 years of age, but in most cases, the pathology ceases to bother the child by the time the child reaches three years of age.
Resort to surgical treatment in case of:
- preservation of pathology after 5-6 years;
- formation of oppressions (injuries);
- increasing the size of the bulge.
The cost of umbilical hernia surgery is quite acceptable. You can get more complete information on our website - Dobrobut.com. The intervention itself is known as hernioplasty. Its duration is no more than 30 minutes.
Operation in adults with umbilical hernia can be performed according to several schemes:
- traditional plastic surgery of the patient's tissues - it is often necessary to remove the navel itself or the fatty apron (if the patient is overweight);
- plastics with mesh implants.
The price of umbilical hernia removal depends on both the age of the patient and the chosen surgical technique. Only a doctor is competent to decide on the method of treatment.
Have you noticed signs of pathology? Consult a doctor immediately!
Related services:
Pediatrician consultation at home
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