Umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through an opening in the abdominal muscles around the belly button. Umbilical hernia occurs in approximately one in ten infant, especially common in premature babies.

When the child grows and develops in the womb of a woman, his umbilical cord passes through a small hole (umbilical cord) in the abdominal wall, which must close before birth or soon after. But sometimes the abdominal muscles are not fully merge, leaving the lumen through which an umbilical hernia and acts. A hernia is a lump or bulge around the belly button, which becomes more noticeable when the baby muscles tense up (for example, when he laughs, cries, makes an effort to go to the toilet or coughing). When a child lies down quietly and relaxed, the hernia is less visible. Typically, umbilical hernia does not cause pain.

In most cases, the child's umbilical hernia closes on its own by the age of 12 months. If the hernia is still there by the time a child of four years old, the doctor may recommend surgery.

In adults, umbilical hernia can be caused by being overweight (obese) and the load on the abdominal muscles, for example, when lifting heavy weights or cough. In women, the risk of umbilical hernia increases with multiple pregnancy Multiple Pregnancy - Are there any special recommendations? . According to statistics, the hernia is more common in women than in men, and the children risk is equally high for both sexes.

Signs and symptoms of umbilical hernia

A typical (and often only) symptom of umbilical hernia - a bulge around the navel in size from one to five centimeters in diameter ("umbilical ring"). The bulge is noticeable when the baby is crying, coughing or straining abdominal muscles. When he is lying on the back and quiet, almost imperceptible bulge.

When you need to see a doctor

If you notice the baby bulge near the navel, contact your doctor if:

• bulge becomes painful;
• sick child;
• bulge increases in size;
• bulge becomes lighter.

Risk factors

Risk factor - a fact or feature which increases the likelihood of developing the disease. For example, obesity significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes type 2. Therefore, obesity is a risk factor for the development of diabetes Diabetes   the second type.

Risk factors for umbilical hernia include:

• Age: infants, especially premature infants Premature babies: special care They are at greater risk of umbilical hernia.
• excess body weight: overweight and obesity in children and adults contribute to the emergence of an umbilical hernia.
• cough: long intense cough increases the risk of herniation.
• multiple pregnancy, when a woman bears more than one child, increases pressure on the abdominal muscles and, consequently, increases the risk of umbilical hernia.

Diagnosis of umbilical hernia

A doctor can diagnose umbilical hernia during a routine medical examination. Also, the doctor can determine which part of the intestine, or adipose tissue located in the hernial sac. In some cases, in order to avoid complications perform blood tests, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and the X-ray examination.

Treatment of umbilical hernia

In infants hernia disappears by itself by the year. Sometimes the doctor may straighten a hernia back into the abdominal cavity (but this procedure can be performed only by qualified personnel).

The operation is prescribed in the following cases:

• If the hernia increases with time (child over one to two years);
• If the hernia is not held up to four years;
• If the hernia creates a bowel obstruction;
• If the hernia violated.

The goal of surgery in the removal of the defect umbilical ring. Above the navel in the skin folds make a small incision and reduce a fatty tissue or a piece of the intestine back into the abdomen. Then sew up the muscles of the abdominal wall in the lumen, strengthening it and preventing the recurrence of hernia. Postoperative scar is almost imperceptible. Surgery to reposition the umbilical hernia lasts an average of 20-30 minutes. You can return home the same day.

Complications of umbilical hernia

Complications of umbilical hernia in children are very rare, but, nevertheless, possible. Complications include impairment, inflammation, injury, mechanical intestinal obstruction and neoplasm. Infringement is usually caused by compression of the contents of the hernia hernial ring when weight lifting, coughing voltage. When the blood supply is disrupted infringement bulging fragment, which can lead to tissue necrosis and life-threatening infections, including peritonitis.

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