Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Dubai
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Newborn babies are a bundle of precious joy, but for some parents, discovering a bulge near their infant’s belly button can cause concern.
This protrusion could indicate an umbilical hernia, a condition that affects a surprisingly high number of children, with up to 20% estimated to experience it.
While it’s rarely a serious health issue, understanding umbilical hernias and their management is crucial for concerned parents.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is an abnormal bulge around the belly button (umbilicus) that can be seen or felt. It occurs when a segment of the small intestine, along with some fat or fluid, creates a sac that protrudes through a gap or weak spot in the abdominal muscle wall.
This condition is most prevalent in newborns, infants, and young children, although it can also develop in adults.
Causes of Umbilical Hernias
In Children
umbilical hernias in children develop when the umbilical ring, a gap in the abdominal wall through which the umbilical cord passes during pregnancy, fails to seal completely after birth.
This ring usually closes by age 4 or 5, but a hernia can develop until it fully closes.
In Adults
In adults, umbilical hernias are caused by increased abdominal pressure that forces part of the small intestine and surrounding tissue through a weakened section of the abdominal muscles.
Risk factors include:
Sex: Individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more prone to reducible hernias, while those assigned male at birth (AMAB) are more likely to develop incarcerated hernias requiring surgery.
Obesity: Higher prevalence in adults with a BMI over 30.
Multiple Pregnancies: Increased risk in individuals who have had multiple pregnancies.
Ascites: Common in those with liver cirrhosis, leading to fluid buildup and higher hernia risk.
Previous Abdominal Surgeries: Prior surgeries can compromise the strength of the abdominal wall, elevating the risk of developing a hernia.
Umbilical Hernia Symptoms
Common Symptoms in both Adults and Children include:
- Visible bulge near or on the belly button, soft to the touch
- Bulge may be constant or appear with abdominal pressure (e.g., lifting heavy objects, crying in babies).
Specific Symptoms:
- Children: Usually painless.
- Adults: May experience discomfort, dull pain, or pressure.
Emergency Symptoms Indicating Potential Complications:
- Sharp, sudden, or worsening abdominal pain
- Bulge that is red, darkened, purple, and firm
- Bloody stool
- Nausea and vomiting
Umbilical Hernia Diagnosis and Tests
A physical exam typically suffices to diagnose an umbilical hernia. Your healthcare provider may ask you to tense your abdominal muscles to observe the bulge better.
If there are concerns about complications like incarceration or obstruction, healthcare providers may utilise imaging techniques such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan for diagnosis.
Treatment of Umbilical Hernias
In Children
Natural Healing: Most umbilical hernias in children resolve independently, with over 90% healing by ages 4 or 5.
Manual Reduction: Healthcare providers may sometimes push the hernia back into place, but parents should avoid attempting this to prevent injury.
Surgical Intervention:
Surgery is recommended if the hernia is:
- Incarcerated or strangulated.
- Larger than 2 centimetres (approximately three-quarters of an inch).
- Persistent beyond age 4 or 5.
- Painful.
In Adults
Surgery: Often necessary, as umbilical hernias in adults are more likely to deteriorate and lead to complications.
Hernia repair surgery:
In the surgical process, the surgeon creates incisions to reach the hernia and reposition the protruding tissue to its correct location.
To ensure the tissue stays in place, they reinforce the abdominal wall muscle. This is often done using surgical mesh to provide additional support and strengthen the tissue barrier.
Laparoscopic Umbilical hernia repair
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is a less invasive surgery. It requires small incisions in the abdomen through which a laparoscope, a camera-equipped tube, is inserted.
This gives the surgeon a clear view of the hernia and surrounding tissues on a monitor. Specialised instruments are then used to push the herniated tissue back into place. The abdominal wall muscle is often reinforced with surgical mesh to prevent recurrence.
Finally, the small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue. This technique typically results in less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and more minor scars compared to traditional open surgery.
Umbilical Hernia Complications
Complications from umbilical hernias are rare but serious.
- An incarcerated hernia can result in tissue death and abdominal infection, posing a life-threatening situation.
- In adults, trapped hernias can also cause intestinal blockages, requiring emergency surgery to resolve.
Contact Dr Ashok Bohra for Umbilical Hernia surgery in Dubai
Dr Ashok Bohra is the best umbilical hernia surgeon in Dubai. With over 30 years of extensive experience, Dr Ashok Bohra is a highly acclaimed, board-certified general surgeon known for his exceptional skills and dedication to patient care.
His expertise and commitment make him the leading surgeon for hernias and other surgical needs.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr Ashok Bohra.
