digestive disorders
Abdominal Wall Hernias
Treatment of Abdominal Wall Hernias
Surgical repair Umbilical hernias in infants rarely strangulate and are not treated. Most go away without treatment within several years. Very large umbilical hernias may be repaired after the infant is 2 years old. Umbilical hernias in adults cause cosmetic concerns and can be repaired at a time that is convenient for the person (called elective surgery). Although umbilical hernias in adults do not usually strangulate and incarcerate, these complications can occur. Because other types of hernias are more likely to strangulate, doctors usually repair them surgically when they are diagnosed. If the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated, surgery is done immediately. Otherwise, elective surgery is done. Surgical repair is aimed at closing or covering the opening so the abdominal contents cannot slide back out. Surgery usually relieves the symptoms of a hernia, depending on its size and the amount of discomfort it caused. Holding the hernia in with tape or bandages or by other means sometimes makes the person more comfortable but does not lower the risk of strangulation or allow the opening to close. Therefore, these are not recommended treatments. 