How do you know when an umbilical hernia needs surgery?

How do you know when an umbilical hernia needs surgery?

Your doctor will recommend surgery right away if: You have pain, a swollen belly, or other signs of a rare but major problem called strangulation or incarcerated hernia. This can occur when the intestine gets trapped in the hernia sac and loses its blood supply.

When does an umbilical hernia need surgery in adults?

7 A surgical repair is recommended for adults who have symptoms, incarceration, thinning of the skin, or uncontrollable ascites. Because abdominal muscles weaken with age, the hernia can increase in size, and there is a risk of incarceration and strangulation.

Can you live with umbilical hernia without surgery?

As long as the hernia is reducible, it is not considered dangerous, but it can still put pressure on the surrounding tissue. Without surgery, the hernia will not heal, and the pain and size of the hernia usually increases over time.

Can umbilical hernia be treated without surgery in adults?

In many children, umbilical hernias can often be resolved with simple exercises instead of surgery. For adults, however, surgery is often required, and gentle exercise helps during recovery. Umbilical hernias in adults are generally caused by high amounts of pressure in the abdomen.

What is the average size of an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are common and come in many sizes ranging from small (less than 1 cm) to medium (1 cm to 3 cm) to large (greater than 3cm). Umbilical hernias can be asymptomatic or cause pain. They can be reducible (able to push back in) or incarcerated (always out). Not all umbilical hernias need to be repaired.

How bad is umbilical hernia surgery?

The risks of surgery for umbilical hernia are usually very low unless the person also has other serious medical problems. Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general are: Reactions to medicines or breathing problems. Bleeding, blood clots, or infection.

Does a small umbilical hernia need surgery?

Umbilical hernias in newborns will almost always heal without surgery. However, your doctor may recommend surgery if: the hernia hasn’t gone away by age 3 or 4. the hernia is causing pain or restricted blood flow.

What is the normal size of umbilical hernia?

What is the procedure for umbilical hernia repair?

Umbilical hernia repair is usually done as a day-case procedure under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. Alternatively you may prefer to have the surgery under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks feeling around the belly button area and you will stay awake during the operation.

How common are umbilical hernias in adults?

In adults, umbilical hernias are more common in women who have been pregnant several times, in people who are overweight, and in people who have had surgery in the belly. Why does an umbilical hernia need to be repaired? Repairing the hernia can relieve pain and discomfort and make the bulge go away.

What are the risks of umbilical hernia surgery for a child?

The risk of your child developing complications is very low. Surgery is recommended for most adults with an umbilical hernia because the hernia is unlikely to get better by itself when you’re older and the risk of complications is higher.

What happens if an umbilical hernia goes untreated?

An umbilical hernia can cause serious illness if it’s left untreated in adults. The risk of illness increases with the size of the hernia. Your GP or surgeon will usually recommend umbilical hernia repair.