About Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a bulge of intestine or tissue that pushes through an opening in the stomach muscles at the belly button. This condition is fairly common in infants, but it can also occur in adults. Umbilical hernias can initially be harmless, but hernias that become painful or swollen usually require surgery. At miVIP Surgery Centers, umbilical hernia repair can be performed in a safe and minimally invasive manner.

In the past, many people may have lived with umbilical hernias, but today, these hernias can easily be removed to prevent future health risks. As umbilical hernia information becomes more widespread, more people are realizing the importance of seeking early treatment for the condition.

Statistics

Cincinnati Children's Hospital reports that 10 to 20 percent of babies have an umbilical hernia. For many babies, the condition resolves within a year of birth without a need for umbilical hernia repair surgery. In adults, the condition is much less prevalent, but it more frequently requires treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

In infants, umbilical hernias occur when the muscles in the abdominal wall have not completely closed. Low birth weight or premature infants have a greater risk of the condition. In adults, the following characteristics or activities increase the likelihood of umbilical hernia:

• Being overweight
• Being pregnant
• Having a chronic cough
• Regularly lifting heavy objects

In general, conditions that cause excessive pressure in the belly increase the risk of umbilical hernia.

Common Symptoms

The most noticeable sign of an umbilical hernia is the protrusion that the hernia creates. The hernia may cause discomfort, and in extreme cases, a strangulated hernia can swell, become discolored, and cause severe pain. A doctor can provide more umbilical hernia information or perform a scan to confirm the presence of a hernia.