Umbilical hernia in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is an umbilical hernia?

It is when fat or intestine pushes through a weak spot at the belly button. It appears as a bulge at or around the navel that grows with coughing, straining or standing.

Is it the same in babies and adults?

No. In babies it is very common and most close on their own by age 4 or 5; surgery is only needed if it is large, grows or persists past that age. In adults it does not close by itself and usually grows over time. It is more common with excess weight, after pregnancies, with chronic cough or fluid in the abdomen.

When is surgery done?

In adults, when it causes discomfort, grows or to prevent complications. Small hernias can be repaired with stitches and larger ones with mesh, through open or laparoscopic surgery. It is usually outpatient. If there is also separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), both can be corrected in the same surgery.

When is it an emergency?

If the bulge becomes hard, painful, red or purple and will not go back in, especially with nausea or vomiting. It may be a trapped hernia that needs emergency surgery.

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