Concerns About My Lifelong Umbilical Hernia
Greetings everyone, I’m a 20-year-old man who has been living with an umbilical hernia since infancy. My mother recalls that I was quite fussy as a baby, which she believes contributed to the hernia’s development. After consulting a physician back then, she was informed that it might resolve on its own and that a belly binder could be beneficial. Unfortunately, the binder didn’t provide any improvement, and the hernia persisted. Now that I am in my twenties, I’m still dealing with this condition, and it has made me feel somewhat insecure due to its appearance. Recently, I had a consultation with a doctor who felt around the region, yet I experienced no discomfort during the examination. I have several queries regarding my situation: - What are your thoughts on the diagnosis given to me? - Is it advisable to postpone surgery, or is there a risk of it deteriorating with time? - Will undergoing surgery result in a prominent scar? - Is it typical for adult umbilical hernias to remain without pain such as mine? Additionally, if anyone here has faced a similar situation or has undergone surgery for an umbilical hernia, I would greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences—please feel free to reach out to me directly. I’m eager to connect and gain insights.
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 6:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience with your umbilical hernia. It's completely understandable to have concerns about a condition you've lived with for so long, especially regarding appearance and the potential need for surgery. Here are the main points to consider:
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Diagnosis and Management: A lifelong umbilical hernia that remains asymptomatic (not causing pain or discomfort) is common. Doctors often recommend monitoring it, especially if it doesn’t cause issues.
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Surgery Considerations: While many umbilical hernias in adults can remain stable and symptomless for years, there is always a slight risk of complications, such as incarceration or strangulation. Surgery is typically recommended if the hernia becomes larger, if there are changes in symptoms, or for cosmetic reasons.
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Surgical Outcomes: Surgery generally results in a scar, but most patients find it to be minor and not overly prominent. Techniques such as laparoscopic surgery can reduce the size of scars, and a skilled surgeon can minimize scarring further.
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Pain Management: It is indeed typical for many adult umbilical hernias to be painless. If you are not experiencing discomfort, it does not necessarily indicate a worsening condition.
Next Steps:
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on your hernia. If there are any changes, such as increased size, discomfort, or changes in bowel habits, reach out to a healthcare provider.
- Consider Consultation: Since you mentioned insecurity about appearance, consider discussing your feelings with a healthcare professional who can provide insight into surgical options, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Research Surgeon Experience: If you decide to consider surgery in the future, look for a surgeon with experience in hernia repairs and ask about their techniques to minimize scarring.
It's important that you feel comfortable and informed about your options. Feel free to share any other thoughts or ask more questions as needed!
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