Category: Hernia

Both children and adults can develop an umbilical hernia. In children, the great majority of these hernias seem to close up on their own, whereas an umbilical hernia in an adult can become serious if it’s not treated in a timely manner. In either case, let’s find out if umbilical hernias are serious.

Common in Young Children

Twenty percent of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. It occurs at the navel, or belly button, when some intestine pushes through the umbilical ring. This is a small opening in the abdominal muscles of a fetus where the umbilical cord passes. They become obvious because they protrude when the baby cries.

These hernias happen most often in newborns, and 90% will close by the time the child is five years old.

These hernias in children are mainly harmless and do not cause pain, but if your baby has any discoloration at the site, vomits, or appears to be in pain, call your doctor right away.

Adults With Umbilical Hernias

Too much abdominal pressure is usually the main cause for an adult umbilical hernia. Adults who develop an umbilical hernia commonly have similar risk factors.

The risk factors may include the following:

• Being overweight
• Multiple pregnancies
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Long-term peritoneal dialysis for treating kidney disease

Umbilical hernias seem to be more common in women.

Risks of Umbilical Hernias for Adults

Yes, an adult umbilical hernia can become serious and are prone to complications.

No, an adult hernia will not go away on its own; it must be repaired.

It can become a serious situation if some of the protruding intestine becomes incarcerated or trapped, and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. This reduces the blood supply to that section of the intestine, can come very painful, and requires immediate surgery.

If the trapped portion of the intestine is totally cut off from its blood supply, this can be a life-threatening situation which can lead to infection spreading throughout the abdomen.

Don’t wait to seek treatment!

Contact Dr. Kolachalam at (248) 662-4272 if you suspect you have an umbilical hernia and want a positive diagnosis and needed repair in our general surgery center in Novi, Southfield, or Livonia, MI.

Hernias are quite prevalent in both men and women, though their symptoms can differ. Every hernia causes some degree of discomfort, and they will not resolve without intervention. Identifying the early signs of a hernia is essential for timely treatment.

Continue reading “Spotting the Early Signs of a Hernia: What You Need to Know” →

Hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm, the muscle separating the abdominal cavity from the chest. Sometimes the entire Stomach can migrate into the chest cavity causing severe complications.

How Does a Hiatal Hernia Cause Acid Reflux (GERD)?

Hiatal hernia’s cause Acid reflux (GERD) by disrupting the normal valve mechanisms in the lower part of the Esophagus, the tube that brings food from the mouth to the Stomach. This constant acid exposure to the Esophagus can lead to inflammation or ulceration of the Esophagus. In some cases, it can lead to cancer of the Esophagus.

Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia

When the hiatal hernia results in disruption of the one-way valve in the Esophagus just above where it meets the stomach, patients have acid reflux symptoms with heart burn and chest pain. In some patients with a very large amount of the stomach in the chest, the stomach can twist on itself and lead to serious complications such as gangrene of the stomach.

In patients with large hiatal hernia, the presence of the stomach in the chest can interfere with breathing and cause shortness of breath, especially after eating or during activity.

Some patients with severe reflux have a large amount of fluid go backwards into the Esophagus from the Stomach causing them to vomit. When the fluid goes back into the back of the mouth when asleep, it can wake them up with choking spells.

Treatment Options for Hiatal Hernia

Patients with severe Acid reflux have several minimally invasive surgical methods to correct this and improve their quality of life. Most patients would not need to take Heart burn pills after successful surgery. These surgical procedures require expertise and I have performed these procedures with high degree of success over the last 30 years. Seek consultation to see if you are a candidate for surgery to restore your quality of life.

Schedule a Hiatal Hernia Consultation in Southfield, MI

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hiatal hernia or have questions about treatment options, contact Dr. Kolachalam at (248) 662-4272 to schedule a consultation.

In patients without a hiatal hernia, the stomach is in the abdominal cavity. However, in patients with hiatal hernia, a part of the stomach goes through the diaphragm, the muscle separating the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity. Although you can have a hiatal hernia without having GERD, often, the hiatal hernia is linked to Acid reflux (GERD) through several mechanisms. Continue reading “The Link Between Hiatal Hernia and Acid Reflux (GERD)” →

Hernias are a common medical condition affecting people of all ages. They happen when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue that surrounds it. While hernias can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they are treatable, especially when recognized early.

This guide will help you understand the different types of hernias, their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, empowering you to take proactive steps toward better health.

Continue reading “Understanding Different Types of Hernias” →