What causes adult umbilical hernia?
Feb 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Adult umbilical hernias are generally caused by pregnancy, obesity, chronic coughing, ascites, or similar factors. In addition, primary or metastatic tumors in the umbilical region may lead to umbilical protrusion and result in an umbilical hernia. Patients with umbilical hernia are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment, such as laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery, tension-free hernia repair, or adjustment of liver function.
Adult umbilical hernias are generally caused by pregnancy, obesity, chronic coughing, ascites, or similar factors.
1. Pregnancy or Obesity
If adult women have had multiple pregnancies, an enlarged uterine volume, or are obese, intra-abdominal pressure tends to be higher. Women's abdominal walls are generally less robust than men's and may undergo excessive stretching, leading to umbilical hernia. Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery can be chosen as a treatment option.
2. Chronic Coughing
Prolonged coughing increases abdominal pressure, which in turn can lead to umbilical hernia. It is essential to actively treat the underlying chronic cough. Abdominal compression bandaging may provide some therapeutic effect, but it cannot achieve a complete cure. Generally, tension-free hernia repair surgery is recommended for definitive treatment.
3. Ascites
Significant accumulation of ascitic fluid increases intra-abdominal pressure, causing protrusion of the navel and resulting in umbilical hernia. This condition is commonly caused by liver cirrhosis and requires liver function regulation along with symptomatic management.
In addition, primary or metastatic tumors in the umbilical region may also cause umbilical protrusion leading to umbilical hernia. Patients with umbilical hernia are advised to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment.
