Umbilical Hernia, Adult
A hernia is a bulge of tissue that pushes through an opening between muscles. An umbilical hernia happens in the abdomen, near the bellybutton (umbilicus), and may contain tissues from the small intestine, large intestine, or fatty tissue covering the intestines (omentum). Umbilical hernias in adults tend to get worse over time, and require surgical treatment.
There are several types of umbilical hernia. You may have:
• A hernia located just above or below the umbilicus (indirect hernia). This is the most common type of umbilical hernia in adults.
• A hernia that forms through an opening formed by the umbilicus (direct hernia).
• A hernia that comes and goes (reducible hernia). A reducible hernia may be visible only when you …show more content…
You may be asked to cough or strain while standing. These actions increase the pressure inside your abdomen and force the hernia through the opening in your muscles. Your health care provider may try to reduce the hernia by pressing on it.
• Your symptoms and medical history.
TREATMENT
Surgery is the only treatment for an umbilical hernia. Surgery for a strangulated hernia is done as soon as possible. If you have a small hernia that is not incarcerated, you may need to lose weight before having surgery.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Lose weight, if told by your health care provider.
• Do not try to push the hernia back in.
• Watch your hernia for any changes in color or size. Tell your health care provider if any changes occur.
• You may need to avoid activities that increase pressure on your hernia.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg) until your health care provider says that this is safe.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your hernia gets larger.
• Your hernia becomes
A hernia is a bulge of tissue that pushes through an opening between muscles. An umbilical hernia happens in the abdomen, near the bellybutton (umbilicus), and may contain tissues from the small intestine, large intestine, or fatty tissue covering the intestines (omentum). Umbilical hernias in adults tend to get worse over time, and require surgical treatment.
There are several types of umbilical hernia. You may have:
• A hernia located just above or below the umbilicus (indirect hernia). This is the most common type of umbilical hernia in adults.
• A hernia that forms through an opening formed by the umbilicus (direct hernia).
• A hernia that comes and goes (reducible hernia). A reducible hernia may be visible only when you …show more content…
You may be asked to cough or strain while standing. These actions increase the pressure inside your abdomen and force the hernia through the opening in your muscles. Your health care provider may try to reduce the hernia by pressing on it.
• Your symptoms and medical history.
TREATMENT
Surgery is the only treatment for an umbilical hernia. Surgery for a strangulated hernia is done as soon as possible. If you have a small hernia that is not incarcerated, you may need to lose weight before having surgery.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Lose weight, if told by your health care provider.
• Do not try to push the hernia back in.
• Watch your hernia for any changes in color or size. Tell your health care provider if any changes occur.
• You may need to avoid activities that increase pressure on your hernia.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg) until your health care provider says that this is safe.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your hernia gets larger.
• Your hernia becomes