Is an enlarging umbilical hernia dangerous?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Umbilical hernia is not more dangerous as it gets larger; rather, the larger the umbilical hernia, the less likely it is to heal on its own. During the observation of an umbilical hernia, we need to be vigilant about the possibility of incarceration or rupture. This condition arises because the umbilical ring does not heal and close properly, typically presenting as a raised lump at the navel, which can recede on its own or disappear. Generally, umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first six months with proper treatment. However, if the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment is required. In any case, if the patient is over the age of five and the hernia is still present, surgery is the chosen treatment. In treating umbilical hernias, our conservative approach involves using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it, and securing it at the umbilical area with adhesive tape to prevent movement, which generally produces good results.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Does infant umbilical hernia require surgery?

If an infant's umbilical hernia still shows obvious protrusion after two years of age, surgery is required. Another scenario that necessitates surgery is if the diameter of the hernia ring of the infant's umbilical hernia is relatively large, such as more than 2cm, as generally, it cannot heal by itself. However, over 80% of infant umbilical hernias do not require special treatment or surgery. As age increases and nutrition is maintained, the subcutaneous tissues around the abdominal wall's umbilical hernia ring can repair and narrow, leading to healing.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Does infant umbilical hernia need treatment?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by poor congenital development of the navel, resulting in protrusion of the umbilicus. Usually, as the child ages, the hernial ring gradually narrows and closes, and 80% of such cases can close on their own. However, there are a few cases, such as those where the hernial ring diameter is too large, especially more than 2cm, or those that do not close by the age of two, which require surgical treatment. During this period, it is usually necessary to avoid situations that may cause increased abdominal pressure in the child, leading to protrusion of the navel, such as preventing the child from crying intensely. For instance, if the child exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms, they should be taken to the doctor for timely examination and treatment.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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Difference between umbilical hernia and abdominal linea alba hernia

Umbilical hernias occur when the hernia sac protrudes through the navel ring, commonly developing around the navel area. Linea alba hernias occur between the xiphoid process and the navel, in the area referred to as the linea alba. The hernia that protrudes in this specific region is called a linea alba hernia. Anatomically, these two types of hernias are distinct, so they can be identified based on their anatomical location. Additionally, color ultrasonography can be used to detect the position of the hernia sac. If it is located in the upper abdomen, above the navel, it is generally identified as a linea alba hernia. If it is situated above or below the navel, it may be considered an umbilical hernia. Ultrasound can help differentiate between an umbilical hernia and a linea alba hernia.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can umbilical hernia be treated with moxibustion?

Umbilical hernia is fundamentally a surgical condition. The effectiveness of moxibustion in treating umbilical hernia is generally not very clear, and currently, there is no scientific basis to prove that moxibustion can cure umbilical hernia. Typically, umbilical hernias occur when the umbilical ring does not completely close. In children under six months, a conservative treatment approach is usually chosen. This can involve using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most patients under six months old can heal naturally. For umbilical hernias, if the child is over two years old and the umbilical ring is still larger than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is recommended. Moxibustion treatment does not offer significant benefits in the treatment of umbilical hernias. Therefore, as umbilical hernia is a surgical condition, it is advised that patients undergo surgery if their condition permits.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does an umbilical hernia hurt?

Umbilical hernias can be painful because they may become incarcerated or even rupture. An umbilical hernia occurs when the area has not completely closed, allowing abdominal organs, such as the omentum or intestines, to enter the hernia sac. If incarceration persists for an extended period, it can cause localized pain and even symptoms of nausea and vomiting. For umbilical hernias, we generally advocate conservative treatment within the first six months, as most patients can heal on their own. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, we recommend surgical treatment. The conservative treatment for umbilical hernia involves using a coin or a flat board, larger than the umbilical ring, wrapped and pressed against the ring, and then secured with wide adhesive tape. This method can prevent the hernia from protruding and promote healing.