Description A weakening of the ...
Description
A weakening of the abdominal wall in the area of the belly button (umbilicus) that allows abdominal contents to protrude through the defect. If the intestines poke through the defect they can become pinched. This can cut off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that is pinched, and that can lead to a life threatening condition. Umbilical hernias that are present at birth will typically go away without treatment and will be watched by the doctor.
Symptoms
A soft bulge in the area of the belly button that becomes larger with coughing, crying or straining, and becomes smaller with relaxation. The bulging area can be tender. If the intestines become blocked then vomiting, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension occur.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The doctor can usually find the hernia during a physical exam. At times a CT scan or MRI will be performed to establish the diagnosis and the extent of the hernia.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The doctor can usually find the hernia during a physical exam. At times a CT scan or MRI will be performed to establish the diagnosis and the extent of the hernia.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Family Practice
Treatment
In infants usually no treatment is required since most go away with age. If the disorder has not gone away by age 4, surgical treatment may be recommended. In adults little needs to be done except checking it out periodically, if the symptoms are minimal. Surgery is performed for more severe symptoms or if there are signs of blockage.