Is an enlarging umbilical hernia dangerous?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Umbilical hernia is not more dangerous as it gets larger; rather, the larger the umbilical hernia, the less likely it is to heal on its own. During the observation of an umbilical hernia, we need to be vigilant about the possibility of incarceration or rupture. This condition arises because the umbilical ring does not heal and close properly, typically presenting as a raised lump at the navel, which can recede on its own or disappear. Generally, umbilical hernias can heal on their own within the first six months with proper treatment. However, if the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm after the age of two, surgical treatment is required. In any case, if the patient is over the age of five and the hernia is still present, surgery is the chosen treatment. In treating umbilical hernias, our conservative approach involves using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it, and securing it at the umbilical area with adhesive tape to prevent movement, which generally produces good results.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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The difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical protrusion

Umbilical hernia refers to a condition in children where the umbilical ring does not close during development, causing a defect in the abdominal wall. This situation can be treated conservatively. Within half a year, the effects are generally good. You can choose a coin larger than the umbilical ring or cover it with a flat board, press it against the umbilical ring, and then use adhesive tape to fix it to prevent movement. Generally, most patients can heal on their own. If the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 cm after two years old, it is advisable to actively accept surgical treatment. Moreover, the protrusion may not involve a defect in the abdominal wall but a potential weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel. Under conditions of increased abdominal pressure, there can be a protruding appearance at the navel. The biggest difference from an umbilical hernia might be that the umbilical protrusion might present a lump that does not completely disappear. In the case of an umbilical hernia, if the contents can be returned to the abdominal cavity, the hernia can disappear completely.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Is umbilical hernia hereditary?

Umbilical hernia is not a hereditary disease and generally does not occur genetically. Umbilical hernia is due to the incomplete healing of the umbilical ring, causing the abdominal organs to protrude through the umbilical ring, and is a congenital disease. Developmental inadequacies of the navel, or the presence of scar tissue, thinness, and lack of toughness in the navel area can lead to this condition when abdominal pressure increases. In general, children with an umbilical hernia may show discomfort, which can manifest as frequent crying or constipation. For most cases of umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is an option. In children under two years old, surgery can be avoided by using adhesive tape treatment, which can achieve very good therapeutic effects. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, timely surgery is necessary. For adults with umbilical hernia, incarceration and strangulation are common, and surgery is recommended as soon as a clear diagnosis is made.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Does infant umbilical hernia need to be treated?

Over 80% of infant umbilical hernias can heal before the age of two because, as the child grows older, the abdominal muscles gradually develop. The umbilical ring often progressively narrows and closes, so no treatment is actually needed. However, it is usually advisable to prevent the child from crying excessively and to treat any gastroenteric colds and indigestion actively and effectively, to avoid repetitive protrusion of the hernia. If the child still has a noticeable umbilical hernia after the age of two, or if the diameter of the hernia ring exceeds 2cm, it is usually difficult to heal naturally. Surgery might be required, typically involving the removal of the hernia sac and repair of the abdominal wall defect.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Does adult umbilical hernia affect the body?

Adult umbilical hernias definitely impact the body, as they primarily involve abdominal contents protruding through a weak area of the abdominal wall at the navel, which can easily lead to hernia incarceration. This causes compression of the intestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation that are difficult to alleviate, as well as abdominal wall pain and localized inflammatory reactions. Such cases generally require surgical treatment. In early stages of an umbilical hernia, there is concern for gradual expansion of the hernia ring, which warrants early intervention, possibly involving padding and bandaging the weak spot in the abdominal wall to prevent the protrusion of abdominal contents. If the umbilical hernia frequently protrudes, it is necessary to consider surgery as soon as possible.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can you swim with an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is a common navel disease in infants and young children, primarily due to developmental defects at the navel where the region is relatively weak. When abdominal pressure increases, the contents of the abdomen may protrude, but this condition is generally not serious and does not cause severe harm to the child, with most cases resolving on their own. Therefore, for babies with an umbilical hernia, it is okay to allow them to swim. Swimming will not exacerbate the hernia nor cause any adverse effects. Only a very few severe cases of umbilical hernia, which have not healed naturally by the age of two, would require surgical treatment. It is also fine for children with an umbilical hernia to swim two to three times a week; parents can be reassured about this.