Less common in adults, umbilical hernia presents as a small “pocket” or “lump” near the navel.
Umbilical hernia presents in the form ofa bump at the navel. It is generally benign and follows a failure of closure of the navel which allows fatty deposits or portions of intestines to pass through. Very often, it is aesthetic discomfort that prompts consultation. Less pain.
Symptoms: a lump in the navel?
Most of the time, an umbilical hernia is painless. Sometimes a lump that appears near the belly button and grows can cause severe pain. The main complication is strangulation, also called strangulated hernia : the hernia can no longer be put back in place, it becomes painful and hard. This strangulation causes compression of the tissues at the level of the hernia orifice. It can lead to digestive problems (nausea, vomiting, violent pain), intestinal obstruction, i.e. stopping the passage of gas and food or even respiratory failurein the most serious cases.
What is the cause in the child?
More common in children than in adults, especially in boys and even more in black-skinned individuals, this type of hernia is often present from birth and caused by a congenital malformation.
What is the cause in adults?
In adults, it is generally latent and manifests itself followingintense and repeated effort as :
- Lifting a load
- A chronic cough
- Chronic constipation
- Significant weight gain as in the case of pregnancy or obesity.
What is a hernia craze?
She is said to be “infatuated” when fat or intestines are blocked into the hernia orifice but can be reinserted by external maneuvers. We then speak of “reduction” of the hernia. If these maneuvers are not effective and the hernia cannot be reduced, then it is considered “strangulated” and becomes a surgical emergency.
When to consult?
If a “pocket” appears in the navel, a consultation with a doctor or specialist surgeon is necessary, especially if there is pain and discomfort to avoid any complications.. Strangulation requires surgical treatment as quickly as possible because there is a risk of necrosis of the intestines which can lead to sepsis. The diagnosis of umbilical hernia is easy enough. The simple vision of a protuberance at the level of the umbilicus, or of a small mass which is reduced on palpation, is enough to make the diagnosis. Additional examinations are generally not necessary.
In what cases should I operate? Pain afterwards?
► In children, umbilical hernia does not require treatment too early, spontaneous closure can occur before the age of 4 years. If it persists, surgical intervention can be performed.
► In adults, surgery is also the only treatment in the event of aesthetic discomfort or complications. The procedure involves reducing and replacing the contents of the hernia, then closing the hernia opening with a prosthesis to strengthen and protect the abdominal wall. It is done either by a traditional incision (we then speak of laparotomy), or, which is the most common case today, by laparoscopy. This technique has the advantage of being less damaging and creating a smaller scar. It also allows for a quicker return to normal activities.
The operation is carried out under general anesthesia and does not cause significant post-operative pain. Monitoring in the recovery room and then in the outpatient department is offered for a few hours before being able to return home the same day, with the agreement of the anesthesiologist and surgeon. We recommend being accompanied and not sleeping alone the first night.
No diet is necessary after umbilical hernia repair. The work stoppage is from 1 week to 1 month for forced laborers. A surgical consultation is generally scheduled 1 month after the operation.