What will happen if an umbilical hernia is not treated?
If umbilical hernia is not treated, in general, adults are more likely to experience incarceration or strangulation. For children with umbilical hernias, conservative observation is usually adopted, and surgery is not necessary within the first two years unless incarceration occurs. During the waiting period, adhesive tape fixation can be used as a treatment method. If the umbilical hernia is larger than two weeks, and the diameter of the umbilical ring is generally more than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is required. For children over five years old, regardless of the situation, it is advisable to undergo timely surgery. Adults with umbilical hernias are generally advised to have surgery as soon as possible. The surgical methods typically include traditional tissue repair or open tension-free hernia repair. For patients suitable for laparoscopic treatment, laparoscopic surgery is chosen as it causes less trauma and allows for the preservation of the umbilicus without extensive dissection, no need for drainage placement, and a very low chance of wound infection.
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