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Here are some key points about umbilical hernias:

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Symptoms: The main symptom of an umbilical hernia is a visible bulge or swelling near the belly button. The bulge may be more noticeable when coughing, straining, or standing up. Most umbilical hernias are not painful, but some individuals may experience discomfort or pain at the site of the hernia.

Treatment: In infants, umbilical hernias often resolve on their own as the abdominal muscles strengthen. They typically do not require treatment unless they persist beyond the age of 4 or 5, become incarcerated (trapped), or grow larger than 2 centimeters. In adults, surgical repair is usually recommended to prevent complications such as the hernia becoming incarcerated or strangulated, where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off.

Surgical repair: Umbilical hernia repair is a relatively simple surgery performed under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision near the hernia, pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen, and repairs the weakened abdominal muscles with sutures or mesh. Most people recover well from the surgery and can resume normal activities within a few weeks.

Complications: While complications from umbilical hernias are rare, they can occur. Incarceration happens when the hernia gets trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. Strangulation occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue gets cut off, leading to tissue death. Both situations are considered medical emergencies and require immediate attention.

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