According to the American College of Surgeons, about 1 out of every 10 abdominal hernias is an umbilical hernia. These hernias occur when tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel (a.k.a., belly button).
No one should have to live with the noticeable bulge in the abdomen nor the pain or pressure caused by an umbilical hernia. Dr. Gregory Dumanian is a leading authority in hernia repair, including umbilical hernia repair. Read on as he describes how he repairs umbilical hernias.
What Causes Umbilical Hernias?
Umbilical hernias develop at the umbilicus, or the connection between a fetus and its mother while in the womb. There is an opening in the abdominal wall through which the umbilical cord passes to the baby. In most cases, this opening naturally closes as the baby matures; 90 percent of the time it closes by the time a child is about five years old. But sometimes it doesn’t close off and the abdominal muscles don’t meet completely, leaving a small gap. If the organs start to protrude into the opening and beyond it, it causes a hernia. Umbilical hernias are most common in infants but can affect adults, too.
Treating an Umbilical Hernia
The only way to repair an umbilical hernia is with a surgical procedure performed by a hernia specialist. If left untreated, a hernia can enlarge and cause pain and other complications, such as the intestines being squeezed into the hernia pouch and becoming strangulated (i.e., losing blood supply). In that scenario, immediate emergency surgery would become necessary.
Umbilical hernia repair is normally performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Dr. Dumanian makes an incision in the curved part of the umbilical stalk and gently pushes protruding tissue back into the abdomen. He uses a mesh suture to close the opening in the muscle and strengthen the area. Patients can go home shortly after the operation to recover at home.
Contact Dr. Dumanian
If you have a noticeable bulge around your navel and are experiencing pain or pressure that could indicate a hernia, you should be evaluated by a knowledgeable surgeon. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dumanian, please contact our office at (312) 695-6022 today.