Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery
Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery corrects hernias near the belly button.
Find, compare and book Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery from the best Private Provider near you. Search for Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery or select from the menu, and book Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery online now.
Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery
Understanding Umbilical Hernias
An umbilical hernia develops when abdominal contents, like a loop of the intestines, slip through an opening at the umbilicus or "belly button". This condition is most common in infants but can affect adults too.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Surgical repair is often recommended for hernias that are enlarging and painful. The greatest risk with prolonging surgical repair is the development of an incarcerated hernia, which can become a life-threatening emergency.
Overview of the Surgical Procedure
The two techniques used for umbilical hernia repair are traditional open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Both techniques offer excellent outcomes and differ based on a few subtle areas.
Surgical Procedures Explained
- Keyhole Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to repair the hernia.
- Open Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery: This involves making a larger incision near the hernia, then reducing the hernia sac and repairing the defect.
Key takeways
- Umbilical hernia repair surgery is typically recommended when the hernia is causing discomfort or has increased in size.
- The surgery can alleviate pain, reduce the size of the bulge, and prevent serious complications.
- Risks include infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia.
- Patients are usually advised to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Postoperative care includes pain management and wound care.
- Most people can return to normal activities within two to four weeks.
- Surgery is the only definitive treatment for an umbilical hernia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a condition where the abdominal contents, like a loop of the intestines, slip through an opening at the belly button.
What causes an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias are caused by muscle weakness and straining. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles, making them more likely to develop a hernia.
How is an umbilical hernia treated?
The most common treatment for an umbilical hernia is surgery, either through a keyhole or open procedure.
What are the risks of umbilical hernia repair surgery?
Risks include infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. There's also a small risk of injury to the intestines, blood vessels, or nerves during surgery.
What is the recovery like after umbilical hernia repair surgery?
Most people can return to normal activities within two to four weeks. Pain management and wound care are important aspects of recovery.
Further Information on the Service
Related Concerns
Without treatment, hernias usually keep growing, often causing pain and other problems. The greatest risk with prolonging surgical repair is the development of an incarcerated hernia, which can become a life-threatening emergency.
Causes of the Issues
Hernias are caused by muscle weakness and straining. Some people are born with weak muscles in the stomach area, making it more likely that they will develop a hernia later in life.
Treatment Approaches
The most common treatment for hernias is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. The two main types of surgery for umbilical hernias are keyhole and open surgery.
Service Overview
Both keyhole and open umbilical hernia repair surgeries offer excellent outcomes.. The choice between the two depends on individual patient factors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery
- The surgeon makes an incision near the hernia (the size and location of the incision depend on whether it's a keyhole or open surgery).
- The hernia sac is reduced.
- The defect is repaired.
- In some cases, a mesh is implanted to prevent undue tension on the repair. ### Conditions Warranting Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery Umbilical hernia repair surgery is typically recommended when the hernia is causing discomfort, pain, or has increased in size. It's also necessary if the hernia becomes incarcerated, meaning the intestines or other tissues have become trapped in the abdominal wall. Lifestyle considerations such as physical activity levels and occupation may also influence the decision to proceed with surgery. ### Benefits of Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery The surgery can alleviate pain and discomfort, reduce the size of the bulge in the abdomen, and prevent serious complications such as incarceration or strangulation of the hernia. It also allows individuals to return to their normal activities without restriction. ### Risks of Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery As with any surgery, there are potential risks including infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. There's also a small risk of injury to the intestines, blood vessels, or nerves during surgery. ### Preparation for Surgery Patients are usually advised to fast for several hours before the procedure. Regular medications may need to be adjusted or stopped, especially blood thinners. ### Pre-surgery Procedures and Checks Before the surgery, a complete physical examination is conducted. This includes blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of the patient's medical history. ### Postoperative Care After surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery room. Pain management is a key aspect of postoperative care. Instructions for wound care, activity restrictions, and diet modifications are provided before discharge. ### Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery time varies but most people can return to normal activities within two to four weeks. Physical therapy is not typically required for this type of surgery. ### Alternatives to Surgery In some cases, especially when the hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, watchful waiting may be an option. However, surgery is the only way to definitively repair an umbilical hernia. ## References
- UAB Medicine. (2023). Hernia.
- Penn Medicine. (n.d.). Umbilical Hernia Surgery.
- CSA Surgical Center. (2023). Belly Button (Umbilical) Hernia Repair.
- Vanderbilt Health. (2023). Hernia Center.
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. (2023). Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery.
Services
Keyhole Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery
Keyhole Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery
Open Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery
Open Umbilical (Belly Button) Hernia Repair Surgery
Ask your doctor to refer you onto Odycy
Book Online DoctorGet A Referral
Some services need a referral. Ask your doctor to refer you onto Odycy. You can also upload one or get a referral quickly online or phone:
Get A ReferralDiscuss Results
Talk To A DoctorOdycy is a platform established by a team of experienced doctors and healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering professional, transparent, and dependable health information. Our mission is to empower patients by providing them with comprehensive resources to find, compare and book the highest quality healthcare services according to their individual needs. Our content is periodically reviewed by a panel of expert doctors, researchers, and editors. This rigorous review process ensures that the information we provide is accurate, current, and trustworthy, allowing you to make informed healthcare decisions with confidence. Read about Our Editorial Team and Our Editorial Guidelines.