Umbilical hernia - VnExpress Health

Umbilical hernias are usually not dangerous and can heal on their own, but in some cases they can cause complications and require surgical intervention.

The article was professionally consulted by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of Gastroenterology Department, 108 Central Military Hospital.

What is an umbilical hernia?

- Umbilical hernia often occurs when the abdominal organs protrude out, forming a bulge in the navel area.

- This hernia may contain fluid, part of an internal organ such as intestine or other tissues from the abdominal cavity.

- Umbilical hernia often appears in newborns when there is a bulge in the navel, the bulge changes size when active.

- According to researchers, umbilical hernia often occurs in premature or low birth weight babies. Up to 75% of newborns weighing less than 1.5 kg have umbilical hernia.

Reason

- The baby is nourished in the mother's womb by the umbilical cord. During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small hole in the baby's abdominal muscles and is cut at birth. About 1-2 weeks after birth, the umbilical cord will gradually shrink and fall off, the wound heals to form the baby's navel. The hole in the abdominal wall through which the umbilical cord passes will gradually close naturally as the baby grows. If these muscles do not close together completely in the midline of the abdomen, this weak spot in the abdominal wall can cause an umbilical hernia.

- Umbilical hernias are not only found in infants but also in adults. Umbilical hernias in adults are caused by increased pressure from the abdomen due to causes such as obesity, abdominal fluid, liver disease or women who have been pregnant many times.

Symptom

Symptoms of umbilical hernia in infants are easy to recognize. Just take the time to carefully observe the navel position and you will be able to recognize the following signs:

- There is a soft lump protruding from the baby's navel.

- The bulge may be visible when the child coughs, cries or arches. The bulge disappears when the child relaxes or lies on his back.

- The child cried and appeared to be in pain.

- The abdomen is larger and rounder than normal.

- The skin area of the hernia is swollen and red.

- Children have fever and vomiting.

- Children have difficulty defecating or cannot defecate.

- Blood in stool.

Diagnose

Diagnosis of umbilical hernia is often based on clinical examination and laboratory tests.

- Clinical examination to assess the condition of the umbilical hernia and check whether the hernia can be reset. This is also to detect whether the umbilical cord is still stuck in the abdominal muscles, from which the doctor will give the most timely and best treatment plan.

- X-ray and ultrasound to look for complications and check the location of the umbilical hernia to properly assess the patient's condition.

- Blood tests help assess the possibility of infection and disease status, especially in cases where acute complications have appeared.

Treatment

- Most mild umbilical hernias will improve by the time the child is 1-2 years old. As the child grows, the abdominal muscles will become stronger and can close the hole in the abdominal wall and the hernia will disappear on its own. If it persists, the doctor will push the hernia back into the abdomen.

- Surgical method:

* Umbilical hernia surgery in children is used for infants with severe and painful umbilical hernias; children up to 4 years old with umbilical hernias that do not disappear; or intestinal obstruction or obstruction.

* For adults, surgery is recommended in all patients to completely treat and avoid unwanted complications.

Prevent

- You should place your baby on his stomach and gently massage his abdomen every day.

- Give children boiled and cooled water to drink.

- Mothers should have a reasonable diet while breastfeeding.

- For adults, a nutritious and reasonable diet is needed.

- Avoid increasing pressure on the abdomen.

- When there are unusual signs, you must visit a medical facility for appropriate treatment.

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