Can an umbilical hernia be massaged back into the abdominal cavity?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Umbilical hernias can be massaged back into the abdominal cavity, but if the hernia suddenly becomes hard, or increases in size significantly and cannot be reduced promptly, careful observation is needed to determine if incarceration has occurred. If incarceration persists for too long, it might lead to intestinal necrosis or rupture. Generally, umbilical hernias can self-heal within six months through conservative treatment. If the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 centimeters after the age of two, it is advised to opt for surgical treatment. For patients over five years old, surgery is recommended under any circumstances. In conservative treatment of umbilical hernias, the most common method involves using an object larger than the umbilical ring, such as a coin or cardboard, wrapped and fixed to the umbilical area, then secured with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Generally, this treatment method is quite effective.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can an umbilical hernia heal itself?

Umbilical hernias can heal on their own, but we need to choose the appropriate method during the treatment process. Generally, if the umbilical hernia occurs before the age of two, we can choose a coin larger than the umbilical ring or a flat board, wrap it in gauze to press against the umbilical ring, and then use tape to secure it to prevent it from moving. In such cases, the hernia may heal on its own. During the observational treatment of an umbilical hernia, it is also important to prevent the child from engaging in vigorous activities or crying. If the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5cm after the age two, we recommend choosing surgical treatment. Generally, if the umbilical hernia has not healed by the age of five, we actively recommend opting for surgical treatment. If the child's improper lifestyle can cause aggravation or even rupture of the umbilical hernia, emergency surgery is required in such cases.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does an umbilical hernia affect a baby's gastrointestinal system?

Umbilical hernia generally does not affect a baby's gastrointestinal tract, but we need to avoid the hernia becoming trapped or even rupturing. Once an umbilical hernia has formed, the hernial sac may contain abdominal omentum or possibly intestines. If the intestines become trapped, this can lead to necrosis of the intestines. Generally, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or even bloody stools. Therefore, umbilical hernias can usually be treated conservatively within the first six months. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, we recommend early surgical intervention, as only surgical treatment can cure it. In the treatment process of an umbilical hernia, the conservative treatment methods adopted mainly involve using a coin or a flat board larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the umbilical ring, and then securing it with wide tape to prevent movement.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can an umbilical hernia heal itself?

Umbilical hernia has the potential to heal on its own, but it requires conservative treatment methods to be adopted. Generally, children under the age of two can undergo conservative observational treatment, such as using adhesive tape, as the umbilical ring in most cases can close by itself between the ages of 1 and 2. However, if the child is over two years old and the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 cm, choosing surgical treatment is a wise decision. For patients over the age of five, it is recommended to undergo surgery as early as possible regardless of the situation, as the chances of incarceration or strangulation can increase after the age of five. Generally, surgical intervention is required for a cure. Options include traditional tissue suture repair methods or open umbilical hernia tension-free repair.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long will it take for an umbilical hernia to heal?

Umbilical hernia can heal on its own, generally, if the appropriate treatment method is chosen, most umbilical hernias can heal within six months. For children over two years old, if the umbilical hernia has not healed and the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm, active surgical treatment is also chosen. For children over five years old, surgical treatment is recommended regardless of the situation. Umbilical hernia occurs because the umbilical ring does not close in time during the child's development, causing the abdomen to protrude. The common treatment method is to choose a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrap it up, press against the umbilical ring, and fix it with adhesive tape to prevent it from moving. This treatment method generally works well and can avoid surgery. However, during the observation process, it is necessary to avoid the occurrence of incarceration or rupture of the hernia.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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The umbilical hernia in the baby healed, but occurred again after two months. What should I do?

The baby's umbilical hernia had healed for two months but reappeared, indicating that the umbilical ring has not closed and the hernia has not completely healed. Therefore, in daily life, it is important to minimize the child's crying, tantrums, and vigorous exercise, and avoid getting cold or sick as much as possible to prevent severe coughing. Attention should be paid to the intake of foods rich in vitamins and cellulose, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Drink plenty of water, maintain smooth bowel movements, and follow a light diet. Avoid eating cold and spicy foods.