Introduction
The term umbilical hernia is understood in medical terminology as a special form of hernia that can occur in infancy as well as in adulthood. While hernia generally occurs in the groin or thigh area, umbilical hernia occurs in the umbilical region. Umbilical hernias differ from other hernias in their causes, their development, typical symptoms and therapy. For this reason, they must be regarded as an independent clinical picture in everyday clinical practice.
Symptoms
In the majority of cases, women with umbilical hernia do not complain of pain during or after pregnancy. If, however, affected patients experience pain or even noticeable discoloration in the area of the umbilical hernia, a doctor should be consulted immediately. A painful umbilical hernia with bluish discoloration is a serious indication of the presence of a so-called incarceration.
This means that intestinal tissue has become stuck in the hernial orifice. As a result of this event, the intestinal sections inside the hernial sac can no longer be supplied with blood properly. A painful umbilical hernia during or after pregnancy is therefore an emergency that must be treated immediately.
If an appropriate therapy is not carried out, the intestinal sections inside the hernia sac are at risk of dying. This can lead to serious secondary diseases such as blood poisoning (sepsis) and/or peritonitis. Other symptoms that should be treated with caution in the presence of an umbilical hernia during and after pregnancy are the occurrence of gushing vomiting and irregularities in the bowel movements. If individual sections of the intestine are pinched off, the intestinal contents may not be able to pass through. Constipation in particular is typically the result.
Diagnosis of an umbilical hernia in pregnancy
An umbilical hernia can be diagnosed during or after pregnancy by simply examining the umbilical region. Furthermore, an umbilical hernia can be palpated quite easily. The taking of X-rays or similar is not necessary in this clinical picture and is also contraindicated due to the radiation exposure.
If there is a suspicion of an incarceration due to the symptoms, a so-called Doppler sonography (ultrasound to show the blood circulation) can be performed under certain circumstances. In very rare exceptional cases, an MRI may be considered. An MRI is possible during pregnancy in the second and last trimester. However, the indication for this examination should be strictly checked.
