How is umbilical hernia treated?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on December 24, 2024
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In treating umbilical hernias, we need to consider both the age of the patient and the size of the hernia specifically caused. Generally, children under the age of two do not require surgery. Typically, we consider using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it up, pressing against the umbilical ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most can close by themselves and heal. For children over two years old, if the hernia is still larger than 1.5cm, surgical treatment should be considered. In adults, traditional tissue repair methods are generally used, or an open umbilical hernia tension-free repair. The repair can be placed in front of the muscle or can use a hernia ring filling method. For most patients, if there is an opportunity for minimally invasive treatment, laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair can be selected. This method generally involves a smaller incision and can preserve the navel, reducing the chance of incision infection, and is particularly suitable for obese patients.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How to press back an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are generally more common in newborns, primarily because the umbilical ring has not yet completely closed. In children, lumps appear in the navel area when they cry or when abdominal pressure increases. To address an umbilical hernia, first massage the area around the belly button, then gently return the hernial sac to the abdominal cavity with both hands. After returning the hernia, secure it externally with a hernia belt. This can effectively prevent the recurrence of the umbilical hernia. Typically, through conservative treatment, which involves this method of binding for about one to two months, the patient’s umbilical hernia can heal on its own.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Can an umbilical hernia cause diarrhea?

Umbilical hernias rarely cause diarrhea in patients. An umbilical hernia mainly occurs because the umbilical ring is not completely closed, allowing parts of the small intestine or omentum to enter under the skin at the belly button, forming a noticeable bulge. The most common symptom caused by umbilical hernias is intestinal obstruction, which presents as abdominal pain. This mainly occurs when the small intestine becomes trapped in the umbilical ring and cannot easily retract, which rarely leads to symptoms of diarrhea. If a patient experiences diarrhea, further medical examination at a hospital is necessary to determine if it is caused by other reasons.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Can an umbilical hernia often be pressed with hands?

Umbilical hernias can often be pressed with the hand, but it is important to be careful with the technique and strength used to avoid damaging the contents of the hernia or the local skin, which could lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Umbilical hernia is one of the common diseases during the newborn and infant periods. After the umbilical cord falls off, if the closure of the umbilical ring is incomplete or the tissues around the navel are not sturdy, factors such as frequent crying or constipation can increase intra-abdominal pressure. This can lead to the protrusion of abdominal contents, particularly the small intestine along with the peritoneum and abdominal wall skin, gradually pushing outward at the umbilicus, forming an umbilical hernia.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Should the umbilical hernia belt be worn for 24 hours?

Umbilical hernia refers to the protrusion formed by the contents of the abdominal cavity through the umbilical ring, commonly seen in infants and young children. When the affected child cries, coughs, or struggles, the increase in abdominal pressure can easily lead to an umbilical hernia. The purpose of an umbilical hernia belt is to apply a certain amount of pressure around the navel area to prevent the occurrence of an umbilical hernia. In principle, the umbilical hernia belt should be worn 24 hours a day, except during special times such as bathing. When using the umbilical hernia belt, it is also important to adjust the appropriate tightness to avoid being too tight, which affects the child's comfort, or too loose, which fails to compress the hernial ring effectively. Additionally, attention must be paid to avoiding the incarceration of the hernia contents.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can umbilical hernia be treated with moxibustion?

Umbilical hernia is fundamentally a surgical condition. The effectiveness of moxibustion in treating umbilical hernia is generally not very clear, and currently, there is no scientific basis to prove that moxibustion can cure umbilical hernia. Typically, umbilical hernias occur when the umbilical ring does not completely close. In children under six months, a conservative treatment approach is usually chosen. This can involve using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it to press against the ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most patients under six months old can heal naturally. For umbilical hernias, if the child is over two years old and the umbilical ring is still larger than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is recommended. Moxibustion treatment does not offer significant benefits in the treatment of umbilical hernias. Therefore, as umbilical hernia is a surgical condition, it is advised that patients undergo surgery if their condition permits.