Umbilical hernias are a type of abdominal hernia. They can also be referred to as a bellybutton hernia or navel hernia. When an adult develops an umbilical hernia, it can be severe and could lead to greater health implications if left untreated.  For adults, there are a few common risk factors associated with umbilical hernias.  It is important to know the signs and symptoms and to seek expert medical attention when an umbilical hernia may be suspected.  The team of doctors at Hernia Surgery Los Angeles provides the best possible care available for umbilical hernias.

umbilical-herniaAn umbilical hernia occurs when a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall behind the belly button area.  The organ passes through the stomach muscles and can form a lump or bulge in the navel region.  These hernias are often found in newborns and infants, arising from factors related to birth and development.  However, umbilical hernias can happen in adults.  When a newborn or infant has an umbilical hernia, it is likely to heal on its own and not require any surgery.  Surgery is, however, required in most adult umbilical hernia cases.

Umbilical Hernia Factors

Unlike the naturally arising risk factors found in newborns, there are certain things that can make an adult more susceptible to umbilical hernia development.  Adults that are overweight are more prone to developing an umbilical hernia.  The increased pressure caused by an excess of body fat can put substantial strain on abdominal muscles and tissues, raising the likelihood of a hernia. Umbilical hernias may also form due to a persistent cough or the stress imposed by frequent or improper heavy lifting.

This type of hernia is more common in women, especially in those who have had multiple pregnancies.  Women who have had multiple pregnancies in quick succession are prone to damaging certain stomach muscles, and this damage becomes a significant factor in umbilical hernia development.

Umbilical Hernia Symptoms

Umbilical hernias can be extremely painful and will usually require surgery to repair.  Signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia include bulging around the belly.  This bulge may fluctuate in size when engaging in certain physical activities, and can be very noticeable in size, especially after the hernia has grown.  The pain associated with an umbilical hernia can range from discomfort early on, to excruciating pain once the hernia has grown.  As with a hernia lump, the pain associated with this type of hernia can be more noticeable when straining. Because of the level of pain, immediate surgery on umbilical hernias is common.

Umbilical Hernias FAQ

If you suspect you could be suffering from an umbilical hernia, it’s important to contact an expert physician as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis. Listed below are some frequently asked femoral hernia questions. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Q:  What are some of the warning signs of an umbilical hernia?

A:  Umbilical hernias are most often associated with a lump or bulge behind the bellybutton, and can be extremely painful as well.  In order to avoid the most severe of symptoms, it’s important that you seek expert medical attention at the first sign of umbilical hernia development.

Q:  How do you treat umbilical hernias?

 A:  Although umbilical hernias can be severe, surgeries to repair this type of hernia can be done as an outpatient procedure.  With umbilical hernia treatment, the part of the protruding organ is pushed back behind the muscle tissue it came through and that tissue is reinforced and closed up.  The surgeons at Hernia Surgery Los Angeles are able to use the most advanced techniques and equipment available to repair this type of hernia in the most minimally invasive way possible. Our surgeons use a combination of tiny cameras and micro-instruments in a method called laparoscopy. This method decreases recovery time from weeks to days and significantly decreases post-surgery pain.

Q:  How do I know if I am at risk of developing an umbilical hernia?

A:  People who are overweight, people who smoke, and people who regularly participate in strenuous heavy lifting should have an increased awareness of hernia development factors.  The nicotine from tobacco works to weaken the abdominal wall and the frequent coughing associated with smoking applies excess pressure to the area.  Pregnant women also have higher odds of developing an umbilical hernia.  It’s important to be aware and to know the signs of a hernia, especially if any of the risk factors are present.  Umbilical hernias are easily fixed, but can pose severe health hazards if left untreated.  Call the expert surgeons at Hernia Surgery Los Angeles at the first sign of a possible hernia.

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For additional information, contact Hernia Surgery Los Angeles today.

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