How does an umbilical hernia gradually improve?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on October 29, 2024
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Umbilical hernia refers to a protrusion formed by abdominal contents through the weak area of the umbilicus. After the umbilical cord falls off in the neonatal period, the umbilical scar area, due to the phase when the umbilical cord passes through the abdominal wall during fetal life, creates a congenital separation in the abdominal wall. In infancy, the abdominal muscles on either side do not completely close at the midline, leaving a defect and forming the umbilical ring. When crying, coughing, or struggling increases intra-abdominal pressure, the abdominal contents gradually push outwards through the umbilicus, forming an umbilical hernia. Most umbilical hernias can heal on their own within one year through the contraction of the umbilical fascial ring. Therefore, unless incarceration occurs, observation and waiting with non-surgical treatment can be adopted to promote healing before the age of two.

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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 Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Why has the umbilical hernia become hard?

If the umbilical hernia becomes hard, it may indicate that it has become incarcerated. In such cases, vigorous activities should be avoided and one should rest appropriately or try to manually reduce the protruding hernia sac back into the abdominal cavity. In this situation, close observation is needed to check for intestinal necrosis or even rupture of the hernia. Generally, for umbilical hernias, most children can heal naturally within two years, particularly within the first six months if conservative treatment is chosen. One can use a coin or a piece of paper larger than the umbilical ring, wrap it around, press it against the umbilical ring, and then secure it with adhesive tape to prevent movement, which generally leads to healing within six months. If the umbilical ring still has a diameter greater than 1.5 cm after two years, surgical treatment is recommended as early as possible. If the child is over five years old and the umbilical hernia has not healed, timely surgical intervention should be chosen.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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What will happen if an umbilical hernia is not treated?

If umbilical hernia is not treated, in general, adults are more likely to experience incarceration or strangulation. For children with umbilical hernias, conservative observation is usually adopted, and surgery is not necessary within the first two years unless incarceration occurs. During the waiting period, adhesive tape fixation can be used as a treatment method. If the umbilical hernia is larger than two weeks, and the diameter of the umbilical ring is generally more than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is required. For children over five years old, regardless of the situation, it is advisable to undergo timely surgery. Adults with umbilical hernias are generally advised to have surgery as soon as possible. The surgical methods typically include traditional tissue repair or open tension-free hernia repair. For patients suitable for laparoscopic treatment, laparoscopic surgery is chosen as it causes less trauma and allows for the preservation of the umbilicus without extensive dissection, no need for drainage placement, and a very low chance of wound infection.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Can an umbilical hernia cause colic in babies?

In general normal circumstances, children with umbilical hernias are unlikely to experience symptoms of intestinal colic. This is because the protrusion from the umbilical hernia is not very large, so the likelihood of causing intestinal colic is very low. Parents should not be overly worried about umbilical hernias causing intestinal colic. However, in some cases where the symptoms of umbilical hernia in babies are more noticeable, it is still necessary to seek active and timely treatment. A color Doppler ultrasound or a routine blood test can be conducted. Conservative treatment can also be considered; if conservative treatment is not very effective, then surgical treatment may be considered.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can you massage the belly for infant umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia in infants is due to congenital thinning of the abdominal wall around the navel. When abdominal pressure increases, the navel protrudes, forming an umbilical hernia. It is acceptable to gently rub the belly during an episode of umbilical hernia, as this can promote intestinal motility and facilitate the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract. This can reduce abdominal pressure and minimize the hernia, improving the child's comfort and clinical symptoms. Umbilical hernias generally do not require special treatment. It is important to prevent prolonged and intense crying in children and actively prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders. Typically, as the child ages, the umbilical hernia will heal naturally, and only a small number of children might require surgical treatment.