Inside Out Consult
03/23/2024
- JP Nagar 6th Phase Bangalore
- 090197 04252
After the beautiful journey of pregnancy, many women in Bengaluru notice changes in their bodies. One common but often surprising change is a new bulge at or near the belly button. Similarly, an adult might feel a strange protrusion after lifting a heavy object or during a persistent cough. These experiences often lead to the same question: what is this belly button hernia?
This condition is known as an umbilical hernia. It occurs when internal tissue, like fat or part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the navel. While very common and often harmless in infants, an umbilical hernia in adults does not resolve on its own and requires medical attention to prevent complications. This is especially true for women dealing with an umbilical hernia after pregnancy, a frequent concern for new mothers.
This guide will provide a clear, patient-friendly overview of the umbilical hernia in adults – explaining why it happens, how to recognize mild versus serious signs, and what your treatment options are. For those seeking expert care in Bengaluru, ARKA Anugraha Hospital stands as a premier institution, recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’ by both the Asia Pacific Hernia Society and the Hernia Society of India. We are dedicated to providing not just state-of-the-art surgical solutions, but a holistic and integrative path to healing.
An umbilical hernia is fundamentally caused by a combination of a weak spot in the abdominal wall and increased pressure pushing against it.
The area around the navel (umbilicus) is a natural point of weakness in the abdominal wall. During fetal development, the umbilical cord passes through this opening. While it normally closes after birth, it can remain a susceptible area. In adults, this pre-existing weakness can be exploited when pressure inside the abdomen increases.
Any condition or activity that puts prolonged or intense strain on the abdomen can contribute to the formation of a belly button hernia. Common risk factors for adults in Bengaluru include:
An umbilical hernia after pregnancy is a very common concern. The immense pressure from a growing uterus stretches and weakens the abdominal muscles. This, combined with the strain of childbirth, can cause a hernia to form at the naturally weak umbilical point. Women who have had multiple pregnancies, such as carrying twins or triplets, are at an even higher risk.
The symptoms of an umbilical hernia can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a medical emergency. It is crucial to know the difference.
For many adults, an umbilical hernia presents with mild or even no symptoms initially. The most common signs include:
While most umbilical hernias are not immediately dangerous, they can become a serious problem if the protruding tissue gets trapped (incarcerated) or if its blood supply is cut off (strangulated). Strangulation is a life-threatening emergency.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have a hernia and experience any of these serious symptoms:
Unlike in infants, an umbilical hernia in an adult will not go away on its own and generally gets larger over time. Therefore, surgery is almost always the recommended treatment to provide relief and prevent dangerous complications.
The diagnosis of an umbilical hernia is typically straightforward. A doctor can usually identify it with a simple physical exam by looking and feeling for the bulge near your navel. You may be asked to cough or strain to make the hernia more obvious. In some cases, an imaging test like an ultrasound or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis and check for complications.
The goal of surgery is to return the protruding tissue to its proper place and repair the weak spot in the abdominal wall. There are two main approaches for umbilical hernia treatment in Bangalore:
In most adult hernia repairs, a sterile, flexible surgical mesh is used to patch the weak area. This provides a strong, durable repair and significantly reduces the chance of the hernia returning.
When considering surgery, the expertise of your medical team is paramount. In Bengaluru, ARKA Anugraha Hospital is a premier institution for hernia care, formally recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’.
Our surgical center is led by pioneers in minimally invasive surgery who specialize in advanced laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair. This focus on cutting-edge technology provides significant benefits to our patients, including smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, and a quicker return to daily life. Our optimized recovery protocols often allow patients to return home in less than 24 hours, reducing stress and promoting faster healing.
What truly sets ARKA Anugraha Hospital apart is our unique integrative and functional medicine approach. We believe that surgery is just one part of the healing journey. Our philosophy is to treat the whole person, not just the hernia. We support our surgical patients with:
Q1: Can my umbilical hernia heal on its own?
A: In adults, an umbilical hernia will not heal by itself and tends to get larger over time. Surgery is the only way to permanently repair the defect and is usually recommended to prevent complications.
Q2: Is umbilical hernia surgery painful?
A: You will be under anesthesia during the surgery and will not feel pain. Post-operative discomfort is normal but is well-managed. Patients who undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery typically experience significantly less pain and have a faster recovery.
Q3: I have an umbilical hernia after pregnancy. Should I wait to get it repaired if I plan on having more children?
A: This is an important discussion to have with your surgeon. Another pregnancy can increase the risk of the hernia returning. If your symptoms are manageable, your doctor may advise waiting until you have completed your family to have the repair.
Q4: What is recovery like after an umbilical hernia repair?
A: Recovery is generally quick, especially with laparoscopic surgery. Most people can return to light activities and desk work within one to two weeks. However, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for four to six weeks to allow the repair to heal fully.
Q5: Why should I choose ARKA Anugraha Hospital for my belly button hernia?
A: ARKA Anugraha Hospital is an accredited ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’. We offer world-class expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for less pain and a faster recovery. Our unique integrative medicine approach supports your entire healing journey with holistic pain management and personalized care plans, ensuring the best possible outcome for your umbilical hernia treatment in Bangalore.
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