Belly Button Hernia

Hernia is defined as the abnormal growth of a particular part of the body, through a tear in the body, in order to open up in an adjacent organ. The abdomen is the region which is most affected by hernia. We can classify the hernia types according to the anatomy. Inguinal hernias, epigastric Hernias, incisional hernias, hiatal hernias and femoral hernia are the various types of hernia apart from belly button hernia. Belly button hernia is characterized by a bulge on the abdominal region due to the pushing of the intestines of the body through the membrane of the abdomen. Along with infants, male and female adults may also suffer from belly button hernia. The root cause of this disorder is the weakness in the muscles present around the abdominal region. These weak muscles easily permit the abdominal tissues to enter through them. Risk of developing hernia is high in newborn kids, and children younger than six months. It is not difficult to diagnose umbilical hernia in kids. It can be easily detected while a child is crying. Not all children need surgical treatment for this kind of hernia. In some cases, this disorder may completely disappear by the time the baby becomes one years old. In some other cases, it may take two or three years to vanish. However, surgery is recommended if the problem is not solved even if the child is four or five years old.

Belly Button Hernia In Adults

Excessive stress, lack of adequate sleep, lack of a balanced diet and proper exercises are the basic reasons for the occurrence of belly button hernia in adults. The hernia can be seen in the form of a lump which is located behind the navel. In adults, surgery is suggested at the right time to avoid serious complications. Soreness and pain are the side effects of belly button hernia in adults. Adult pregnant women too, may suffer from belly button hernia causing a lot of pain in the abdomen. Belly button hernias are entirely different and have no similarities with paraumbilical hernia. Paraumbilical hernia generally occurs in adults due to a problem in the mid-line, from the omphalocele to the umbilicus.

Surgical Options for Belly Button Hernia

The occurrence of belly button hernias is very common. Performing belly button hernia surgery becomes important if the hernia is stuck abruptly in a bulging position. In fact, surgery is the only available option, if complications like non-closure of hernia by the age of four and insufficient or cut off in the blood supply arise. Surgery, considerably reduces the risk of the hernia getting bigger with the passage of time. It has not been proved scientifically that the use of bandages and other such articles are useful in the reduction of the hernia. During the actual surgery, the surgeon may either stitch the abdominal walls or simply use a mesh and then stitch it to the walls of the abdomen. The surgical process is simple and is usually performed by giving the patient a general anesthesia. Preparing children for the surgery can be quite challenging at times, and it requires patience and presence of mind.

The surgery begins only after the patient falls asleep after the anesthesia. First of all, the surgeon will use his surgical knife to make a cut in your abdominal region. The next step is to detect the hernia and separate it from the tissues which are found around it. After removing the hernia, the surgeon will use strong stitches or place a mesh piece for fast healing of the deep cut. The mesh piece placed is used, if the surgery is large and is permanently placed to avoid the hernia to reoccur.

Most of the hernia patients return to their normal life in a few days after the surgery. It is suggested to avoid doing heavy physical activities immediately after the surgery.