Umbilical Hernia | How serious is it? How to get the treatment? | Dr. Purnendu Roy |Genesis Hospital

DR. PURNENDU ROY MBBS, MS, F.I.C.S, F.A.I.S, FAMS, D.UROL [ LONDON ] Chairman & Managing Director Genesis Group of Companies Genesis Hospital [ G.H ] Genesis Educational and Charitable Trust [ GECT ] Genesis Institute of Management & Technology [ GIMT ] Orion Entertainment [ Orion Production & Communications Pvt. Ltd. ] Genesis Eduventure [ GE ] Ecclesiastes Cafe [1st Health Cafe in Kolkata, West Bengal] ________________________________________________________________________ Video Credit: Dr. Purnendu Roy Olivia Dunlop Subhankar Kundu ________________________________________________________________________ What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it. Most hernias occur within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hips. What is an umbilical hernia? An umbilical hernia occurs at the umbilicus (belly button) when a loop of intestine pushes through the umbilical ring, a small opening in a fetus’ abdominal muscles through which the umbilical cord which connects a fetus to its mother while in the womb passes. Umbilical hernias occur most often in newborns, and 90 percent will naturally close by the time the child reaches 5 years of age. What are the causes of Umbilical Hernia ? After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer necessary, and the opening in the abdominal muscles closes as the baby matures. These muscles do not meet completely, leaving a small hole or gap. A loop of intestine can move into and even penetrate the opening between abdominal muscles and cause a hernia. Umbilical hernias occur most often in infants but can also occur in adults. The most common causes of umbilical hernias in adults are: Chronic health conditions that raise abdominal pressure, including: 1) Carrying excessive belly fluid (ascites) 2) Chronic cough 3) Difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate 4) Prolonged constipation 5) Repetitive vomiting 6) Obesity 7) Straining such as during child birth or weight lifting Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia include: 1) Abdominal pain and tenderness 2) Constipation 3) Fever 4) Full, round abdomen 5) Red, purple, dark or discolored bulge 6) Vomiting A barium X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI or CT to examine the intestine more closely, especially if the hernia is no longer reducible. What are the treatments for Umbilical Hernia : Specific umbilical hernia treatment and timing will be determined by the surgeon based on multiple factors such as the child's age, general health, medical history and whether the hernia is reducible or strangulated. By age 1, many umbilical hernias will have closed on their own without surgery. Nearly all umbilical hernias will have closed without surgery by age 5. In general, if the hernia becomes bigger with age, is not reducible or is still present after age 3, the child's provider may suggest that the hernia be repaired surgically. If the hernia is strangulated and cannot gently be pushed or massaged back into its proper place within the abdomen, the surgeon will generally recommend immediate surgery. Under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in the umbilicus (belly button). The loop of intestine is placed back into the abdominal cavity, and the incision closed. Sometimes a piece of mesh material is used to help strengthen the area where the muscles are repaired. To know more about Inguinal Hernia do Call or WhatsApp us or visit our website : +91 9062200739 | www.genesishospital.co Looking forward to meeting all of you in person or via Online Consultation. From, Team Genesis Hospital, Kasba, Kolkata