Umbilical hernia, also known as umbilical protrusion, refers to an external hernia in which the contents of the abdominal cavity protrude through the weak area of the navel. The navel is located in the middle of the abdominal wall and is the latest part of the abdominal wall to close during embryonic development. Due to the lack of adipose tissue, the outermost skin and fascia of the abdominal wall are directly connected to the peritoneum, making it the weakest area of the abdominal wall. Therefore, the contents of the abdominal cavity are prone to protrude from this area and form a umbilical hernia.

Classification and Symptoms of Navel Hernia

Umbilical hernia is mainly divided into two types: infantile umbilical hernia and adult umbilical hernia. Infant umbilical hernia is often congenital and a common disease in newborns and infants. It is mainly characterized by the expansion of a mass in the navel, usually 1-2 centimeters in diameter, without other symptoms, and the mass is reversible. Adult umbilical hernia is relatively rare and more common in middle-aged obese multiparous women. It is mainly manifested as a hemispherical hernia mass in the navel that can be retracted, accompanied by indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and dull pain.

Latest treatment methods

The treatment of umbilical hernia mainly includes the following methods:

Non surgical treatment: For infantile umbilical hernia, since most umbilical hernias can self heal through the gradual contraction of the umbilical fascia ring within 1 year of age, observation and waiting methods can generally be adopted before the age of 2, or physical compression devices such as umbilical hernia bands can be used for auxiliary treatment to reduce the occurrence of hernia.

Surgical treatment:

Open surgical treatment: such as the domestic use of ring ligation and small incision at the navel to treat umbilical hernia in children, it has the advantages of minimal trauma, simple operation, and postoperative aesthetics.

Laparoscopic surgical treatment: Using laparoscopy for surgical treatment has the advantages of minimal trauma, no damage to the umbilical skin, no scars on the abdominal line, reduced risk of postoperative infection, and aesthetic appearance. Laparoscopic surgery has become the main treatment for adult umbilical hernia.

Umbilical reconstruction surgery: For large umbilical hernias, umbilical reconstruction surgery is often required, which involves removing excess skin, fixing fascia, and other methods to create a beautiful appearance.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment: although there is no cure method to directly recover the hernia mass in traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion and other traditional Chinese medicine methods can be used to improve the associated symptoms of umbilical hernia, such as abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, etc.

In summary, the treatment method for umbilical hernia should be comprehensively considered based on factors such as the patient's age, severity of the condition, and size of the hernia mass, in order to select the most suitable treatment plan. For adult umbilical hernia, early surgical treatment is generally recommended; For infantile umbilical hernia, observation and waiting can be carried out first, and surgical treatment can be performed if necessary.