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What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the abdominal contents, usually fatty tissue or a small part of the intestine, pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall right at the navel. While umbilical hernias in children often heal on their own, the situation is different for adults. An umbilical hernia in an adult is usually due to increased abdominal pressure causing the natural weak point at the navel to give way.
Common Causes of Umbilical Hernia:
- Pregnancy: The stretched abdominal wall creates natural pressure.
- Obesity: Increased load on the musculature around the navel.
- Heavy work or training: Repeated heavy lifting can force a bulge.
- Long-term cough or constipation: Constant pressure against the abdominal wall.
Symptoms – More Than Just a Visible Lump
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the abdominal contents, typically fatty tissue or a smaller part of the intestine, protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the area around the navel.
Watch for these signs:
- A lump that can be pushed back when lying down.
- Dull ache or pressure during physical exertion.
- Tenderness around the navel when touched.
- Discomfort that increases when tensing abdominal muscles.
If the hernia is small or the abdominal wall is thick, it may be difficult to feel the lump with hands alone. In these cases, an abdominal wall ultrasound is an excellent method for diagnosis. It is a gentle, fast, and highly accurate method for mapping the abdominal wall.
Ultrasound – A Gentle and Accurate Method
Unlike CT scans, ultrasound uses no radiation. The main advantage is that the examination is dynamic. This means the doctor can observe the hernia in real-time while you cough or tense your stomach. This allows even the smallest hernias, which might otherwise stay hidden, to be identified.
During an examination, one can determine:
- Hernia orifice size: How large is the opening in the abdominal wall?
- Content: Is it fat or bowel bulging out?
- Reducibility: Can the hernia be pushed back easily?
When is an Umbilical Hernia Dangerous?
Most umbilical hernias are harmless, but they never disappear on their own in adults. The major risk is a so-called incarcerated hernia. This means the blood supply to the tissue in the hernia is cut off, requiring immediate medical care.
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Sudden, intense pain at the navel.
- The lump becomes hard, red, or extremely tender.
- Nausea and vomiting combined with pain at the navel.
Do I Need Surgery?
Small umbilical hernias that do not cause any trouble usually require no action and can be monitored over time. If the hernia causes pain or grows, surgery is often recommended. During the procedure, the hernia opening is stitched shut, sometimes with the reinforcement of a mesh to prevent recurrence.