Umbilical hernia surgeon Gold Coast
When a noticeable bulge has formed in or near your belly button, you may have an umbilical hernia. It’s a condition where a part of the intestines or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in your navel area. On this page, we will explain the symptoms and how umbilical hernias are treated.
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Umbilical hernia explained
What are umbilical hernias?
An umbilical hernia occurs when fatty tissue or a part of the intestines pokes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near your belly button. They are common in babies but can also develop in adults when the layers of their abdominal wall don’t completely join.
An umbilical hernia typically protrudes from the belly button area, whereas a paraumbilical hernia occurs just above or below the belly button.
Umbilical hernias in babies occur when the belly button hole, where the umbilical cord was, doesn’t close up properly after birth, due to a weakness in these muscles.
In adults, an umbilical hernia occurs when weakened abdominal walls are combined with one or more of the following contributing factors:
- Obesity
- Multiple pregnancies
- A heavy cough
- Surgery of the abdomen
- Straining caused by constipation
- Heavy lifting
Umbilical hernia symptoms
In some cases, you may just see a bulge in the belly button area without experiencing any other symptoms.
How are umbilical hernias diagnosed?
Typically, your doctor will perform a physical exam: when you’re standing up or being asked to cough, they should see and feel the hernia. When they think you may have an umbilical hernia, they may order some more detailed tests like a CT scan or ultrasound of the abdomen to determine the severity of the hernia.
Umbilical hernia surgeon Gold Coast
How are umbilical hernias treated?
If an umbilical hernia gets trapped (incarcerated) or its blood supply gets cut off (strangulated), it’s a serious situation that can be life-threatening. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention in such cases.
Umbilical hernia repair
Repairing an umbilical hernia is generally completed in less than 30 minutes. Even though it is a short procedure, you will still receive a general anaesthetic. The process involves making a small incision near the belly button, pushing the protruding tissue or hernial sac back inside the abdominal cavity and reinforcing the weakened area with a synthetic mesh. We may need to insert a temporary drain to remove any fluid that gathers in the wound. In that case, it will be there for one or two days.
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Core Specialist Group for hernia repair
At Core Specialist Group, your health and comfort are our highest priority. If you have been told you may have an umbilical hernia, and are looking for compassionate and exceptional patient care, please get in touch with our friendly team. With consulting rooms in Tugun, Lismore (NSW) and Byron Bay (NSW) we will make you feel at ease in the lead up to your consultation and possible surgery.
Core Specialist Group Gold Coast
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