Umbilical Hernia Repair

Umbilical hernias are fairly common in adults. They are seen more in overweight people and in women, especially after pregnancy. They tend to get bigger over time.

Smaller hernias with no symptoms sometimes can be watched. Surgery may pose greater risks for patients with serious medical problems.

Umbilical hernias can also cause pain or discomfort around the belly button. Without surgery, there is also risk that some fat or part of the intestine will get stuck (incarcerated) in the hernia and become impossible to push back in. This is usually painful. If the blood supply to this area is cut off (strangulation), urgent surgery is needed.

To avoid these problems, surgery is often recommend repairing the umbilical hernia. Surgery is also used for hernias that are getting larger or are painful. Surgery secures the weakened abdominal wall tissue (fascia) and closes the hole.

Umbilical hernias may either be repaired similarly to an open inguinal (groin) repair or by laparoscopic surgery. Depending on the size and whether they have been repaired previously will determine which technique is used. Except in instances when the hernia is small or there is an active infection, a piece of mesh will be placed at the time of surgery to reinforce the hernia repair.

Mesh creates a tension-free repair and leads to few recurrences. Prior to using this technique, the hernia was closed by sewing the edges of the hole (the hernia) together. This created a great deal of tension and led to many recurrences.

By using mesh to reinforce and support the surrounding tissue, the surgery can effectively repair umbilical hernias. The mesh incorporates itself safely and easily into the abdominal wall. Extending beyond the edges of the original weakness or tear, the mesh also supports the weak, thin tissue surrounding the hernia where it is most effective and will not lift or separate later with strenuous physical activity or excessive abdominal strain. The mesh is quite thin and is unable to be felt under the incision.

Umbilical hernia surgery generally takes less than an hour to perform. Most people go home the same day and are back to work within 3 to 7 days.

Complications, such as bleeding or infection, are very rare but may occur.