Your child needs umbilical hernia surgery, and you’re worried. We understand your concern, especially if you are entirely unaware of the condition and the procedure. But, who needs umbilical hernia surgery? And what is an umbilical hernia anyway?
In this comprehensive article, we go through the expert facts on umbilical hernia surgery and what to expect. More importantly, you’ll learn about the umbilical hernia symptoms, the causes, and how umbilical hernia in adults differs from the condition in children.
Before we get started, make sure you seek out an excellent medical professional. For example, hernia treatment in Palm Beach County is a perfect choice, judging by the impressive results and satisfied patient testimonials.
That said, let’s find out “what is an umbilical hernia,” and more!
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
In brief, an umbilical hernia refers to a condition when a loop of the intestine bulges through the patient’s umbilical ring. An umbilical hernia happens at the patient’s belly button or umbilicus, whereas the umbilical ring is a tiny opening in the abdominal wall of the fetus. The umbilical cord (which connects the fetus and the mother in the womb) passes through this umbilical ring.
According to the facts, about twenty percent of newborns have umbilical hernias. This condition is most prevalent in newborns, and approximately ninety percent will recover by the age of five.
Common Umbilical Hernia Symptoms
Umbilical hernia in adults is possible too. The symptoms of umbilical hernia in adults include constipation, sharp abdominal pain and vomiting, pain and pressure at the hernia site, and a bulge in or close to the belly button. Typically, the abnormal bulge tends to get bigger when coughing, lifting, or when performing strenuous activities.
On the flip side, a baby is likely to have an umbilical hernia if there is a visible bump underneath the skin close to the belly button. Remember, the hernia can become smaller and bigger. Typically, the hernia will get bigger when the baby stands up, coughs, or cries. On the flip side, the hernia will get smaller when the child is calm.
The umbilical hernia symptoms in adults and babies can be the same, and if you suspect you or your child has the condition, consult a healthcare specialist immediately.
Why Does My Child Have an Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernia in adults can be serious, but it’s even more severe in babies. But what’s the cause of this condition? In some cases, babies are born with an opening in their abdominal walls. Issues happen when the abdominal wall muscles don’t close full around the organs during the baby’s development in the mother’s womb. As noted, the baby will have a hernia when the intestine begins to push through this opening.
When it comes to umbilical hernia in adults, the causes are the following:
- Chronic coughing
- Prolonged constipation
- Being overweight
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Carrying excessive belly fluid
- Straining due to weight lifting or childbirth
My Child Has an Umbilical Hernia: What to Do?
Now that you found out the answer to “what is an umbilical hernia” and you suspect your child has this condition, you may want to think about your next steps. Before anything else, make sure you receive an expert diagnosis. Then, refrain from self-diagnosis and self-medication.
It’s true that an umbilical hernia might not require treatment, but it is always best to consult a doctor for advice. Typically, in 90 percent of cases, an umbilical hernia will heal as the child ages.
However, your child may require an umbilical hernia surgery if he/she is larger than two centimeters (around ¾ inch) or incarcerated. When the hernia is larger and incarcerated, it’s less likely to go away on its own. Thus, your child may require hernia repair surgery.
Umbilical Hernia Surgery: What Can I Expect?
Although umbilical hernia surgery may sound terrifying, it’s a relatively short and straightforward procedure. Overall, umbilical hernia surgery will take around an hour, and since it is an outpatient procedure, you can bring your child back home straight away. However, infants and children with medical issues may need to stay in the hospital overnight for added care.
Before umbilical hernia surgery, your doctor will instruct you to feed your child a strict diet. By doing this, aspiration (inhaling fluids) and vomiting will be significantly reduced. Before the procedure, the surgeon will inform you of the exact guidelines.
As mentioned, this is typically a simple and fast procedure, and it’s pain-free. The surgeon will give your child general anesthesia that relaxes the muscles. Then, your child will be asleep and won’t feel any pain.
The procedure will begin with the surgeon making a tiny incision at the bottom of the umbilicus. Next, the surgeon will locate the hernia sac with the bulging intestine and attempt to push it back into the proper place behind the muscle wall. The remaining hernia sac will be removed, and the doctor will reinforce the muscle wall with stitches. This way, the chances of another hernia will be reduced. Finally, the surgeon will sew the skin around the umbilicus.
How Can I Take Care of My Child Post-Surgery?
Usually, children feel normal following the surgery. When they are ready, they can continue eating their regular meals. If you want to help your child recover, you can consider the following tips:
- Give your child a sponge bath for the initial few days post-surgery.
- Use pain medication advised by your doctor.
- Restrict certain strenuous activities such as bike riding, wrestling, jungle gyms, or other sports.
- Help in constipation prevention by feeding them fiber-rich, nutrient-dense foods.
Overall, the recovery process of this surgical procedure is complication-free. However, if your child feels pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away naturally, you will want to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
How Does Diagnosis Look Like?
Expert diagnosis is crucial before proceeding to the other steps. Usually, your healthcare provider will diagnose your child with this condition during a routine physical exam. Your doctor will also check the medical history and the symptoms to determine the severity of the condition.
Advantages and Risk Factors
Umbilical hernia repair is beneficial in the following cases. Firstly, this is an effective surgical procedure with excellent results. If the patient has a hernia that won’t close on its own, this procedure will fix it. Also, the recovery is quick. In most cases, children can continue with regular activities shortly after the process. Also, complications are minimal.
Of course, you will want to consult a highly trained professional and seek out help in a reliable clinic. Otherwise, you may experience health risks such as wound infection and hematoma (the collection of blood close to the hernia site).
When Should I Call a Doctor?
If you notice some or all of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately. These symptoms include bleeding, fever, inability to urinate, redness, sharp pain, and excessive swelling.
Give us a Call Today
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