Umbilical Hernia
If you’re seeking effective and reliable umbilical hernia treatment in Chennai, you’ve come to the right place. With a dedicated team of experienced gastroenterologists, GI surgeons, and state-of-the-art facilities, GEM Hospital, the best GI Cancer surgeon in Chennai offers a range of treatment options to address umbilical hernias. We understand that dealing with a hernia can be painful and disruptive to your daily life. That’s why our expert team of gastroenterologists and surgeons is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and effective treatment options to relieve your symptoms and restore your well-being.
Our expert Hernia Surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy has conducted 1000+ hernia repair surgeries via laparoscopy, the most best and cutting-edge surgical method. He successfully treated thousands of patients, fixing their daily operations whilst removing discomfort and pain.
Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy’s comprehensive guide to umbilical hernia treatment in Chennai. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a renowned specialist offering dedicated care and advanced treatments for various types of hernias in Chennai and surrounding areas.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia happens when there is a weakness or opening in the muscles around the navel (belly button), leading to the protrusion of abdominal tissue or organs. It can occur in both infants and adults, though it is more commonly observed in newborns and women who have been pregnant. Umbilical hernias are usually painless, but they can cause pain and worry due to the visible bulge and the possible risk of complications.
What are the Types of Umbilical Hernias?
There are two primary types of umbilical hernias:
- Infantile Umbilical Hernia: Infantile umbilical hernias are very common and typically appear shortly after birth. They occur when the abdominal muscles around the belly button don’t close properly, allowing a small amount of intestine or fluid to protrude through. These hernias are generally painless and often resolve on their own by the age of 1 or 2 years as the muscles gradually close.
- Adult Umbilical Hernia: Adult umbilical hernias develop in adulthood and are more commonly seen in women, especially those who have been pregnant multiple times, and in individuals who are overweight or have undergone abdominal surgery. These hernias can vary in size and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when coughing, lifting heavy objects, or during physical exertion.
What are the causes of Umbilical Hernia?
Infantile Umbilical Hernia:
- Incomplete closure of the abdominal muscles: During fetal development, the abdominal muscles may fail to fully close around the umbilical cord, leaving a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This allows the intestines or fatty tissue to protrude through, resulting in an umbilical hernia.
Adult Umbilical Hernia:
- Weak abdominal muscles: In adults, the primary cause of umbilical hernias is weakened abdominal muscles. Elements that can contribute to muscle weakness include:
- Obesity: Extra weight and improved pressure on the abdomen can weaken the abdominal muscles, leading to hernia formation.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can stretch and weaken the abdominal muscles, making women more prone to formulating umbilical hernias, particularly if they have multiple pregnancies.
- Chronic cough or respiratory conditions: Ailments that cause ongoing coughing, such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, can weaken the abdominal muscles and raise the risk of hernia formation.
- Heavy lifting: Regularly lifting heavy things without proper method or abdominal support can contribute to the growth of umbilical hernias.
- Previous abdominal surgery: Surgical incisions in the abdomen weaken the abdominal muscles, causing hernias more likely to happen around the umbilical area.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Umbilical Hernias?
The signs and symptoms of umbilical hernias can vary depending on the size of the hernia and the person. Here are some typical signs and symptoms associated with umbilical hernias:
- Bulge or swelling near the belly button (umbilicus)
- Discomfort or pain
- Redness or discoloration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Belly button to protrude or become enlarged
How Umbilical Hernia is Diagnosed?
Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy diagnoses umbilical hernias through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and sometimes imaging studies. Here is how they typically do umbilical hernia diagnosis:
- Physical Examination: The Hernia Surgeon visually inspects and palpates the abdomen, focusing on the belly button area for a noticeable bulge or lump, a typical sign of an umbilical hernia. They may also ask you to cough or strain to assess hernia prominence.
- Observation: Infant umbilical hernias are often diagnosed through physical tests alone due to their straightforward identification. They typically settle without intervention by ages 4 to 5.
- Medical Record Review: In adults, inquiries about symptoms, pain levels, and possible contributing elements like obesity or pregnancy aid in diagnosis.
- Imaging Studies: If uncertainty persists or difficulties are suspected, ultrasound or CT scans are used to confirm the hernia’s presence and evaluate its size and prognosis.
What are the treatment options for an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernia treatment options include:
- Watchful Waiting: If an infant’s umbilical hernia is small and asymptomatic, doctors may opt for a wait-and-watch approach, as many hernias resolve on their own by the age of 4 or 5.
- Lifestyle Changes: For umbilical hernia in adults with small, reducible hernias and no significant signs, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding heavy lifting may help manage your disease and prevent difficulties.
- Surgical Repair: Surgery is the primary approach for large or symptomatic umbilical hernias in adults and children. It is also recommended for hernias that do not reduce on their own or pose risks of complications like strangulation or incarceration.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: You may opt for laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques for hernia repair, offering smaller incisions, faster recovery time, and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery for umbilical hernia treatment in adults.
What happens if the Umbilical hernia is untreated?
- Incarceration: An umbilical hernia can become incarcerated, which means the herniated tissue becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall and cannot be easily pushed back in. This can lead to complications such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and an improved risk of tissue damage.
- Strangulation: If the herniated tissue becomes strangulated, it means that its blood supply is cut off. Strangulated umbilical hernias require quick medical intervention and emergency surgery to restore blood flow and prevent further difficulties.
- Bowel obstruction: In some cases, the herniated intestine can become bent or kinked within the hernia sac, showing a bowel obstruction. It requires prompt medical attention and may necessitate surgical intervention to ease the obstruction.
- Increased size or discomfort: Untreated umbilical hernias, especially in adults, have the potential to gradually increase in size over time. This can lead to a more recognizable swelling or lump near the belly button area.
What are the complications associated with umbilical hernias?
Complications of umbilical hernia may include:
- Incarceration: When abdominal tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, it causes discomfort or pain; prompt medical awareness is required to prevent further problems.
- Strangulation: In severe cases, compromised blood supply to herniated tissue can lead to strangulation, a medical emergency requiring surgical intervention to prevent tissue damage.
- Gangrene and Infections: Although very rarely, an incarcerated or strangulated hernia can contract diseases, risking gangrene. In such cases, immediate medical awareness is advised.
Why Choose Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Chennai?
Choosing Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for umbilical hernia treatment in Chennai offers several distinct advantages. Here are some compelling reasons to opt for our healthcare facility:
- Expertise and Experience: With years of experience and specialized training in hernia surgery, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is equipped to handle both simple and complex cases of umbilical hernias.
- Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-operative care, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy provides comprehensive care, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Advanced Treatment Options: Srivatsan Gurumurthy utilizes the latest techniques and minimally invasive procedures for hernia repair, promoting faster recovery and reduced post-operative discomfort.
- Patient-centered Approach: Every patient receives personalized attention and compassionate care, with a focus on addressing individual needs and concerns throughout the treatment process.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an umbilical hernia or have been diagnosed with one, schedule a consultation with Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy to discuss your treatment options and embark on the path to recovery. Trust your hernia care to a specialist dedicated to excellence and patient well-being.
Book An Appointment:
If you are diagnosed with an Umbilical Hernia and looking for the best care then consult with Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at GEM Hospital, Chennai. Feel Free to Book an appointment online and call us at 9962533472.