In general, the origin of umbilical hernia is due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure which progressively weakens the weaker scar area of the umbilicus.
Physically, all the forces of the abdominal wall converge at the umbilicus, making it the area that withstands the greatest pressure. Therefore, maximum pressure and minimum resistance come together in the umbilical region, with the consequent risk of hernia occurrence.
Which patients are most at risk for umbilical hernia?
Causes such as obesity, chronic cough in bronchial patients or smokers, prostate patients, chronic constipation, repeated vomiting, or very intense physical exercise of the abdominal muscles, favor it because they all raise the intra-abdominal pressure.
Recommendations before umbilical hernia surgery
The patient suffering from an umbilical hernia can lead a normal life as long as there are no symptoms or complications such as incarceration, that is, the exit of the hernia without the possibility of reducing it.
Latest advances in umbilical hernia surgery
Currently, the greatest advance in umbilical hernia surgery is the incorporation of a synthetic mesh that allows the area to be reinforced more completely than with simple closure stitches, since it promotes greater healing, thereby creating a kind of protective “armor”.
This procedure can be performed either by open surgery, with local anesthesia and sedation or spinal anesthesia, or by laparoscopic surgery, although in this case general anesthesia is required.
How is umbilical hernia approached in adult and pediatric patients?
Umbilical hernias are common in newborns. In principle, they do not require treatment since they usually reduce with the development of the abdominal wall. Something similar can occur in pregnancy, sometimes resolving spontaneously after delivery.
In adults the only curative treatment is surgical closure of the existing anatomical defect.