Difference between umbilical hernia and abdominal linea alba hernia

Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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
1min 14sec home-news-image

Can an umbilical hernia be pressed with hands?

Umbilical hernia can be manually reduced by pushing it back into place. For children, most can be reduced by manual manipulation. For adults, it may be relatively more difficult, but generally, if incarceration has not occurred, manual reduction can be successful. In the treatment of umbilical hernia, conservative observation can be considered for children under two years old. The method of using adhesive tape may be employed since the self-healing can occur through their natural development before the age of two with appropriate conservative treatment. If the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 cm after two years old, surgical intervention should be considered timely. For adults, umbilical hernias are generally treated through surgical means. Adult umbilical hernias are prone to incarceration and strangulation, particularly because the umbilical ring is usually smaller and a sudden increase in abdominal pressure can lead to incarceration. The treatment choices for adult umbilical hernia include tissue repair suturing or tension-free hernia repair, with laparoscopy also being a viable treatment option.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should I do about my baby's umbilical hernia?

If your baby has an umbilical hernia, there is no need to panic. Generally speaking, this hernia occurs because the area around the baby's navel is not fully developed, leading to the hernia. It usually becomes more noticeable after crying - clearly protruding, but it can retract after resting. Typically, between one to two years old, the hernia may resolve by itself, so there's no need for special treatment. If you feel compelled to do something, you can buy a belt at a maternity and baby store and place a coin or another hard, flat object beneath it to press down on the navel, which can help the hernia repair sooner. However, if the hernia is large and still protrudes noticeably after the age of two, surgical intervention might be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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The difference between infant umbilical hernia and hernia

Infant umbilical hernia is a type of hernia, which differs from general hernias as the latter encompasses a broader category including umbilical hernia, direct inguinal hernia, indirect inguinal hernia, etc. Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel, leading to a protrusion. Similarly, hernias are often the result of insufficient developmental thickness of the abdominal wall. Thus, when intra-abdominal pressure increases, contents such as the intestine can protrude through the hernia sac, forming a hernia. Regardless of the type, whether umbilical or otherwise, it is essential to visit a pediatric surgical department in a hospital for examination and analysis. Most umbilical hernias close as the child grows and the hernial ring narrows, usually by the age of two, and often do not require special treatment. However, surgical treatment may be necessary for a small portion of cases where the diameter of the hernial ring is larger than two centimeters or has not closed after the age of two. For hernias in other locations, if incarceration occurs, emergency surgery is needed, and surgery may still be required if the condition does not resolve spontaneously.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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What should be paid attention to after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring. Mostly seen in infants and young children, a majority of umbilical hernias can gradually heal through the contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, before the age of two, except in cases of incarcerated hernias, most are treated non-surgically to promote healing. If the child is over two years old and the diameter of the hernia exceeds 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is adopted. After surgery, it is necessary to persist with abdominal muscle exercises to increase the child's resistance, prevent an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, reduce the recurrence of infantile umbilical hernias, and in terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid foods that might cause constipation.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How to press back an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are generally more common in newborns, primarily because the umbilical ring has not yet completely closed. In children, lumps appear in the navel area when they cry or when abdominal pressure increases. To address an umbilical hernia, first massage the area around the belly button, then gently return the hernial sac to the abdominal cavity with both hands. After returning the hernia, secure it externally with a hernia belt. This can effectively prevent the recurrence of the umbilical hernia. Typically, through conservative treatment, which involves this method of binding for about one to two months, the patient’s umbilical hernia can heal on its own.