Paraumbilical Hernia

 

Paraumbilical hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents through the muscles surrounding the navel. Umbilical herniae are usually seen in newborn babies and young children. They may be usually harmless and usually call for no treatment and normally disappear as the kid gets older.Adults generally it occurs more commonly above the belly-button when the abdominal wall is stretched because of obesity, pregnancy and other uncommon conditions. Patients with this condition, the muscles of the abdominal wall are weak or separated, allowing the abdominal lining to push through. In a mild paraumbilical hernia, the protrusion may include only some fluid and tissue. Larger hernias can include sections of the intestine, raising the risk of strangulation, where the tissue becomes twisted, cutting off the supply of blood, and it dies. This can lead to severe complications.

 

Like any other hernias, a paraumbilical hernia can produce serious complications very quickly. There is a risk of strangulation or rupture, potentially contributing to the development of a bowel infection. With treatment, the patient can recover, but it is possible that permanent lifestyle changes will be made, such as adjusting the diet to compensate for loss of part of the bowel. In patients who are not treated at the time of diagnosis, it is important to receive care if the hernia’s characteristics appear to be changing, as this can be a sign of emerging complications.

 

ParaUmbilical hernia in adults can relate with pain and are made worse by heavy lifting, straining or coughing. They are often reducible but at times cannot be reduced but are not painful. In some cases the umbilicus can present with a very painful lump, which cannot be reduced. If there is a change in the overlying skin with redness or a purple discoloration, most likely there is ‘unhappy’ bowel or fat and surgical repair is undertaken as an emergency (incarcerated/ strangulated). This can happen with umbilical and paraumbilcal hernia as the actual defect is usually quite small.

 

Paraumbilical Hernia

What should be done?

An paraumbilical hernia in an adult if painful is often offered repaired. As they have a tendency to become bigger and more unsightly over time, surgery is recommended for all adult patients. Surgery involves a small incision under or above the umbilicus (belly-button) with the majority of hernia requiring stitches only. In most cases if the hernia is large a mesh is inserted to help reduce the risk of recurrence and strengthen the repair. Surgery can be performed under a local or general anaesthesia and does not normally require overnight stay.

Adults vs Children

Paraumbilical hernias do affect children differently than adults. Paraumbilical hernias that develop within the first six months of an infant’s life usually heal before the infants is age one. Larger hernias that develop during the first year of life often heal before the child is four years-old. Paraumbilical hernias that form in adults require surgery. Adults may also have pain or discomfort associated with their hernia, whereas a paraumbilical hernia causes little to no pain in children.

 

 

 

Paraumbilical hernia Surgery options

How long will your recovery take?

Recovery is very quick, with most patients able to leave same day. Patients are encouraged to start mobilizing immediately after surgery and not lift heavy objects for at least three weeks and heavy duty activity for at least a month. Full regular activities is expected within 1 week after surgery.