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Umbilical hernia in adults

Umbilical hernia is one of the most common pathologies of the body. Among the famous of abdominal hernia is a violation ranked third. Deviation is associated with disorders of the umbilical ring. This is the most weak and vulnerable spot on the anterior abdominal wall. In the area of the umbilical depression there is no fat, it is not protected by muscle tissue, therefore, for the localization and development of hernia, this place is perfect.

The condition is characterized by a bulging of internal organs through the navel ring. Drop-down the bodies be in the hernial SAC, which is a thin film of connective tissue. First the hernial protrusion may be minor, a person need a little pressure on it and straighten into place. It doesn't hurt and is not dangerous, but such actions help temporarily. Better not to get involved with disengagement problems and immediately proceed to more radical treatment involving doctor. At the transition of the disease to a running stage of the umbilical ring expands, which leads to an increase in the size of the hernia. It expands, bulges and discomfort.

Umbilical hernia in adults is a complex disease emotionally. Pathology always visible and catches the eye with its unattractiveness. It changes the natural contours and shape of the abdomen. To hide under clothes, but in the bath, on the beach or the pool, the defect will not hide. Abnormal protrusion in adulthood is not only aesthetic defect. In adults, umbilical hernia is much more difficult than in childhood. The progression of the disease leads to severe complications. Try to understand the essence of the disease and the degree of its seriousness.

The content of the article:


The symptoms of umbilical hernia

The most important and conspicuous symptom characterizing an umbilical hernia is the extension of the umbilical ring and the formation of protrusions. Tumor hernia consists of skin, fatty tissue and body parts. Most often in the hernial SAC is thick (thin) intestine and omentum. The protrusion can be of different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is not visible and can only beprobe. When a large hernia complicated by adhesions, the defect is always visible. There are cases when the omphalocele grows to giant size.

Hernia may occur unnoticed. There were cases, when pathological education can develop suddenly. Usually this is due to the influence of many different factors, for example, weight lifting.

Initially the disease does not cause the patient problems and concerns. Many people live with hernias, you get used to their existence and even forget about the presence of the disease. The absence of pronounced symptoms of umbilical hernia makes it impossible to determine the presence of serious pathology. Many patients believe that a protrusion of the navel is an individual anatomic characteristic of their body. Meanwhile, doctors warn that safe hernia does not exist. Even in the absence of symptoms over time, the size of the umbilical hernia starts to rise. Especially, the growth is noticeable after heavy physical work, sneezing, prolonged cough, prolonged stay of the person in an upright position or after eating.

The skin under the protrusion is so thin that through it you can see loops of bowel. Even in this state much discomfort the patient is experiencing. Only occasionally a person with a similar diagnosis appear dyspepsia: nausea, belching, frequent constipation. (See also: causes, symptoms and treatment of constipation in adults)

When hernia incarceration clinical picture changes. This is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical assistance. Strangulated hernial protrusion becomes painful. Pain is very strong, in some patients they can cause a shock. The hernia is tense, rapidly increases in size and becomes hot. Appear redness and swelling in the area of the umbilical depression. Such a hernia is impossible to fix yourself. The abdomen is at first soft, but gradually, with the accession of the phenomena of obstruction of the intestines, there is a strong swelling and muscle tension. This is sometimes accompanied by hiccups, vomiting and a complete delay of feces. In a few hours the patient's condition may change dramatically. It is deteriorating: it quickens the pulse, the pressure decreases, the temperature first increases and eventually decreases. This is due to the fact that the body begins the irreversible process of poisoning with intestinal toxins. If untreated, strangulated umbilical hernia can be fatal.


Causes of umbilical hernia

More oftenjust an umbilical hernia is found in pregnant women and mothers, people suffering from obesity and those who perform heavy work and sports, not knowing about the weakness of the abdominal wall.

The list of risk factors for serious chronic diseases of the respiratory organs, accompanied by long-lasting cough, frequent constipation, problems with urination. To provoke the appearance of a hernia in the navel can various injuries and anatomical abnormalities in the structure of the umbilical ring.

All causes of umbilical hernias in adults are well known:

  • Congenital abnormalities of the umbilical ring. After birth the umbilical ring closes and scarring. This is the norm, but there are deviations. If full healing has not occurred, there remains a small hole. Over time, this can lead to extension of the ring and subsequent development of an umbilical hernia.
  • Pregnancy and childbirth. The growth of the abdomen of a pregnant women increases the load on the internal organs. This can lead to weakening of muscle tissues of the abdomen. Hernial protrusion of women in the state – the phenomenon frequent. This is not a reason to panic, but the doctor should be aware of the problem. Appeared on the growing protrusion of the abdomen observed in every third pregnant woman. It can be noticeable and after childbirth. Until such time as the peritoneal cavity does not acquire its former tone, an umbilical hernia is not going anywhere. Intra-abdominal pressure increases gradually throughout pregnancy. The most dangerous are the 2 and 3 trimesters, when the baby is actively growing and the uterus increases. The constipation accompanying pregnancy, causing a increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity. The formation of umbilical hernia can contribute to polyhydramnios, a large fetus and difficult labor. At risk mothers expecting twins or triplets.
  • Intra-abdominal pressure. Anterior abdominal wall is a complex anatomical education, which is composed of connective and muscular tissue. Securely holding the internal organs, it protects them and enforces in a natural position. If the abdominal muscles are weakened, the resistance of the abdominal wall is broken, she is no longer able to keep the balance and counteract the pressure inside the abdomen. Muscles lose their elasticity, they stretch and no longer able to fully perform their natural functions. In the result of the ligaments elongate, tissue thinning, and some bodies are movable. They are compressed, omitted, can be twisted and change place of localization. Some of them fall into the hernial SAC and become contentumbilical hernia.
  • A sedentary lifestyle. Everything is explainable, physical inactivity causes weakness of the stomach muscles. Conversely, a sharp increase of the load (lifting weights) leads to a jump in the pressure inside the abdomen and the development of a hernia.
  • The disease, which is accompanied by constant increase in intra-abdominal pressureI. These include diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems, the development of which exhibit symptoms such as chronic cough and frequent constipation.

  • Obesity. Being overweight is always an additional burden on internal organs, which leads to a stretching and expansion of the abdominal walls. Obese people, who usually move a little, press and muscles are weak. It's the perfect conditions for the formation of umbilical hernia (see also: obesity degree of obesity and its causes).

  • Rapid weight loss. If a person is sloppy with the diet and goes on a restricted diet, sudden weight loss is inevitable. It is observed in severe disease. Rapid weight loss is always a stress to the body, he does not have time to adjust and adapt to the new conditions for it. All this has a negative impact on the muscle tissues. When fast weight loss the umbilical ring weakens, which causes the formation of gruzevich protrusions in the umbilical area.
  • Genetic predisposition. In case of violation of synthesis of collagen in the body, there are diseases that can be caused by weakness of the connective tissue. These include and umbilical hernia, it can develop at the genetic level. In 70% of cases the disease is inherited.
  • Abdominal trauma and the effects of operations. Hernia is often localized on the stitches from the surgeries and injuries in region of navel hernia.

The danger and consequences of umbilical hernia

The patient's condition generally worsens with increasing size of the hernia:

  • Protrusion becomes dense, and when you touch it, the person experiences pain.
  • Organs located in the hernia, it is impossible to set in place.
  • The inflammation of the organ, located in the hernial SAC. This is accompanied by swelling, pain, redness in the navel area.
  • Increases temperature and worsens the General condition of the patient. All these dangerous symptoms characterize the condition of strangulated umbilical hernia, the most severeforms of the disease.
  • Having severe pain, vomiting, nausea and constipation.
  • Blood to the disadvantaged, stavlennia body ceases to act, which leads to its death. This condition is life threatening.

Without medical intervention may develop peritonitis. In case of serious inflammation of the abdominal cavity can be fatal.

Similar symptoms is considered a complication of intestinal obstruction. Part of the intestine caught in the hernia, clogged with feces. If untreated the prognosis is poor, this complication also able to significantly shorten human life.

Any suspicious seal and the protrusion of the navel should be alerted. Sometimes these symptoms characterize the presence of metastasis is a cancerous tumor of the stomach. This is a rare occurrence, but for the sake of preserving life and health, any risk factors it is better to exclude.

Diagnosis of umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia in adults is one of the diseases, diagnosis without causing problems. Pathology always visible, the person is able to see and feel. Upon detection of a deviation is required, as a minimum, consultation of the doctor. A visit to a specialist is better not to postpone, this will depend on the duration and effectiveness of treatment.

Diagnosis of disease begins with inspection. The doctor examines the stomach of the patient and evaluates the condition of the umbilical area. The patient may be asked Naturita and cough. Conversation and clarify the nature of the symptoms is required. The doctor may ask about when it was discovered protrusion, how it manifests itself and whether there are close relatives who have observed a similar pathology. Having studied the obtained data, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis.

To confirm it you may need additional research:

  • Ultrasound allows to reveal the hernial education, to determine its state, the contours and dimensions. The study helps to see the bodies that were in the hernial SAC, the absence or presence of any adhesions.
  • Herniography is assigned when doubt about the diagnosis. In the stomach of the patient is introduced radiopaque substance. Caught in the hernial SAC, it stained it. In the end, all the deviation can be clearly seen on x-rays.
  • Contrast radiography,gastroduodenoscopy gastric and duodenal ulcers. Thanks to these diagnostic methods, the doctor has the ability to detect inflammatory and neoplastic processes associated with umbilical hernia and causing soreness.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Do I need to remove an umbilical hernia? The formation of a hernial protrusion at the umbilicus in most cases is associated with the predisposition of the body. Many of those who are active in sports and is the owner trained the press, exclude the development of such diseases. This is a misunderstanding. Developed muscles and muscles are not always saved from the appearance and progression of the disease. Moreover, elastic inflated muscles can aggravate the condition. The hernia will become almost invisible, but she wasn't going anywhere and at any time could trigger infringement. Unfortunately, medications from an umbilical hernia does not exist. She is not treated folk remedies, is powerless and therapeutic exercises. All these methods are only effective for improving the General condition and relieve some symptoms, but get rid of pathology is possible only by removing it. If this is not done, the hernia will continue to grow, the risk of complications is increased.

How to determine an umbilical hernia in an infant? Even inexperienced parent, it's hard not to notice an umbilical hernia in infants. After the umbilical cord falls away, a slight protrusion of the navel is considered normal. This anatomical predisposition to be afraid of and its not worth it. The protrusion increases when the child is crying or straining. The belly button can be set in place, the toddler will not feel discomfort. The reason for the visit to the pediatrician should be symptoms such as neupravlyaemogo hernia, vomiting, nausea, discoloration of the formation and swelling in the navel region.

How to remove an umbilical hernia in adults? There are two access options to the region of the hernia SAC through the incision or laparoscopically, that is, the method of puncture. The latter method is considered the most optimal. The doctor sutured gryzenia gate cuts off the spikes and strengthens the abdominal wall. Large incisions are made in volumetric gruzevich formations. Sometimes the umbilical ring must be removed, the doctor must inform the patient in advance. To avoid relapses, during surgery is a special grid.

Is it possible to cure an umbilical hernia without surgery? This is unlikely. The chances of those who sought medical help at the first sign of the disease. Such cases - a rarity, mostly to doctors come when you startpain relief and the protrusion reaches a large size.


Surgery to remove an umbilical hernia

Eliminated spontaneous umbilical hernia can only have children up to 4-5 years. In adults, a defect removed because the umbilical ring is not able to return to their former forms. Will not save even for a long period of wearing the brace. Such pathology is not treated with medicine, dressings and diets. To restore the normal shape of the abdomen and repair the umbilical hernia in adult education is possible only surgically. The best time for surgical intervention stage, when the hernial protrusion even reduce.

Surgery to correct umbilical hernias called hernioplastica. The choice of transaction type depends on the size and anatomical features of the hernia of education, the condition of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity, the General condition of the patient and presence of comorbidities. Before any operation, the patient undergoes a thorough examination.

In modern herniology has accumulated vast experience in ridding patients from the umbilical hernias, regardless of size. Giant, recurrent, complex hernia removed safely using different methods of plasty. This area of medicine is actively growing and is very promising. The level of treatment is markedly improved, which allows to make optimistic forecasts about the effectiveness of radical treatment.

The essence of the operation

In all cases, the purpose of the activity the choice of method of removal of the pathology is determined individually. The aim of the physician to remove the hernial education and to prevent the recurrence with the least interference with the body.

If the infringement is absent, the operation is performed in a planned manner. It requires no special preparation of the patient and quite easily tolerated. The doctor examines the patient, prescribes the examination and date of admission.

Stretch hernioplasty. When the tensioning operation to strengthen the navel rings you use your own fabric. Pull them, this is done for closure of the defect. To access graziosa bag specialist makes an incision. If the bag is small in size, it can be eliminated by immersion in the stomach. If the hernia is large, it is removed. Then the umbilical ring strengthen adjacent fabrics and sew. One of the disadvantages of this surgical method is the high probability of relapse, 10% of patients re-appears hernia.

Tension-free hernioplasty. In cases where carried out tension-free hernioplasty, the area of the umbilical ring is reinforced with a special synthetic mesh. In the process of operation alsothe mandatory section. The rehabilitation period lasts over a month, relapses are rare.

Laparoscopy. Well-known and widely used laparoscopic operations. This is the safest way of eliminating pathology, which surgeons use for more than 20 years. Among the main advantages of this type of hernioplasty is the lack of scarring after surgery, minimal injuries, low probability of development of postoperative commissural processes. For operations requires special medical equipment and experienced trained physicians. Hernioplastica carried out through a puncture in the stomach, no cuts. To strengthen the umbilical ring, the surgeon uses a mesh implant. Rehabilitation after surgery is reduced time, the patient recovers faster.

When the infringement arises hernias are life-threatening. In the hernial SAC, where are the bodies, the blood almost misses. Bodies die, starts suppuration and poisoning the body with toxic substances. These processes occur very quickly, in a matter of hours, so in critical cases, surgery is performed urgently. During surgical intervention of the hernia SAC is opened. The doctor examines the inside of the body. If no changes are detected, it is immersed into the abdominal cavity. When the mortification of the body, it just cut off. Surgery strangulated hernia complicated enough, a favorable outcome without consequences and complications is possible only when a timely appeal to qualified personnel.

Do you need surgery for an umbilical hernia?

Non-surgical hernia treatment involves massage, therapeutic exercises and wearing the brace. Exerting a local effect and fixing the abdominal wall bandage prevents the protrusion and release of umbilical hernia outside of the cavity. Patients are advised to wear it constantly, this is especially true for overweight people whose stomach hangs down. Massage and special exercises allow you to bring the muscles in tone, but the umbilical ring is not overgrown. Unfortunately, the regenerative ability of the adult organism is not able to cope with the disease, conservative methods can prevent the infringement, but the risk always remains.

To non-surgical methods of treatment resorted to only in the presence of contraindications for surgery. This group includes the elderly, patients with a diagnosis of "diabetes", "liver cirrhosis"and"renal failure". Don't do surgery in the presence of malignant tumors, chronic diseases, severe heart disease, pregnancy in the later stages. In other cases, surgical intervention is necessary, the successful operation is considered to bethe only way to cure hernia and to protect against heavy impact.

Indications for surgery on an umbilical hernia are:

  • The infringement of an umbilical hernia;
  • Irreducible hernias;
  • Recurrent hernias;
  • Rupture of the hernia SAC.

Routinely surgery prescribed to patients with uncomplicated umbilical hernia. After a full examination and training, the physician chooses the optimal variant of surgical intervention.

What can I eat after surgery to remove an umbilical hernia?

The recovery after the operation takes place under the supervision of a physician in a medical facility. If complications arise, the patient may be discharged after 2-3 days. Regardless of where the patient is, he prescribed bed rest and wearing the brace.

A must-have item of the rehabilitation activities is the power correction. Even after simple operations it is necessary to remember about the postponed intervention in the body and violation of the integrity of the skin. The body needs to recover, he needs help to cope with the stress. This assumes quiet mode, the exclusion of any physical activity and lung, balanced diet.

In the early days allowed to eat only liquid food. New food should be introduced to the menu gradually as the stomach needs to get used to normal food. During the period of rehabilitation of the invalid constipation or any other bowel problems. Preference should be given to products that contribute to soften and smooth stool output.

From the diet completely excluded all sharp, salty, fatty and smoked products. Food should be healthy and natural. To facilitate the work and the condition of the body, it is advisable to eat small portions and not less than five times a day. It is best to eat light soups and porridges. With time permitted to Supplement the diet seafood, fruits, low-fat dairy products, foods rich in protein (meat, mushrooms, eggs, fish). From drinks prefers the jelly and vegetable juices.

Postoperative recovery involves not only adherence to the diet, but a lifestyle change. Patients are encouraged to give up bad habits. This applies not only to cigarettes and alcohol. It is desirable to eliminate from the diet of fast food, coffee and sodas. To physical activity you will return in about a month. How much time needed for recovery depends on compliance with medical recommendations andresponsibility of the patient.