Treatment of umbilical hernia surgery

Introduction

Umbilical hernia is a common condition that occurs when a part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot near the belly button. While many small umbilical hernias in infants close on their own, adults often require medical intervention especially when the hernia enlarges, causes pain, or interferes with daily activities. Umbilical hernia surgery is a safe and effective treatment option that offers lasting relief and prevents complications such as strangulation.

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia appears as a soft bulge near the navel. It occurs when internal tissues push through weakened abdominal muscles. In adults, factors like obesity, pregnancy, chronic coughing, and heavy lifting can contribute to the development of an umbilical hernia.

While small hernias may not cause symptoms initially, untreated hernias can grow larger and lead to complications. If you experience discomfort, pain, or a protrusion that doesn’t go away, a doctor may recommend surgical treatment for umbilical hernia.

When Is Umbilical Hernia Surgery Needed?

Umbilical hernia surgery becomes necessary in the following situations

1. Persistent or increasing bulge
2. Pain or discomfort, especially when bending or lifting
3. Strangulated hernia, where the blood supply to the tissue is cut off (medical emergency)
4. Hernia enlargement over time
5. Cosmetic concerns affecting confidence

Surgery is the only definitive treatment for an umbilical hernia in adults, as the muscles cannot heal on their own. Early treatment lowers the risk of complications and improves overall quality of life.

Types of Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

There are two main surgical techniques used for the treatment of umbilical hernia

1. Open Umbilical Hernia Repair :- In this traditional method, the surgeon makes a small incision near the belly button to access the hernia. The protruding tissue is gently pushed back into place and the weakened abdominal wall is strengthened.

Depending on the hernia size, the surgeon may use

• Sutures only (for small hernias)
• Mesh reinforcement (for medium and large hernias)
  

Mesh helps reduce the risk of recurrence and provides additional support to the abdominal muscles.

Benefits

• Suitable for all hernia sizes
• Short procedure time
• Excellent success rate

2. Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair :- This is a minimally invasive technique performed using small keyhole incisions. A laparoscope a thin tube with a camera is inserted to guide the repair.

The surgeon places a mesh inside the abdominal cavity to cover and reinforce the weak area.

Benefits

• Smaller incisions
• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery
• Minimal scarring
• Lower risk of infection

Laparoscopic surgery is often recommended for larger hernias, recurrent hernias, or patients who prefer quicker healing.

How to Prepare for Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Your doctor may advise several steps to ensure a smooth surgical experience

1. Physical examination and imaging (ultrasound or CT scan)
2. Blood tests to evaluate overall health
3. Stop smoking, as it delays healing
4. Avoid certain medications such as blood thinners
5. Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery

Patients with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity may need additional medical optimization before undergoing surgery.

Treatment of umbilical hernia surgery

The surgery typically lasts 30–60 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. The steps involve

1. Making an incision (open repair) or small keyhole cuts (laparoscopic repair)
2. Gently pushing the herniated tissue back into the abdomen
3. Reinforcing the abdominal wall using sutures or mesh
4. Closing the incision with sutures or surgical glue

After the procedure, patients are moved to the recovery area for monitoring.

Recovery After Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Recovery time varies depending on the surgical technique, hernia size, and overall health.

Typical Recovery Timeline

1. Day 1–3 :- Mild pain and swelling around the incision. Pain medication helps manage discomfort.
2. Week 1 :- Most patients resume light activities and office work.
3. Week 4–6 :- Avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, or straining.
4. After 6 weeks :- Full recovery with clearance for normal activities.

Your doctor may suggest using an abdominal binder and keeping the incision clean and dry. Following postoperative instructions is essential to prevent recurrence or complications.

Risks and Complications

Umbilical hernia surgery is considered very safe, but like any procedure, it may carry small risks

1. Infection
2. Seroma (fluid buildup)
3. Recurrence
4. Bleeding
5. Temporary numbness around the incision

These risks are rare and can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following medical advice.

Benefits of Umbilical Hernia Surgery

The surgery offers several long-term benefits

1. Permanent relief from pain and discomfort
2. Lower risk of hernia complications
3. Improved mobility and abdominal strength
4. Better quality of life
5. Enhanced appearance of the abdominal area

For adults, surgery is the only way to prevent the hernia from worsening over time.

Conclusion

Umbilical hernia surgery is a highly effective treatment for repairing weakened abdominal muscles and preventing serious health complications. Whether performed through open or laparoscopic techniques, the procedure is safe, reliable, and offers long-lasting benefits. If you notice a persistent bulge near your navel or experience pain, consult a specialist to determine the best treatment plan.