Umbilical hernia repair

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What are the Possible Risks of the Procedure?

Umbilical Hernia Repair

Your surgeon will do everything possible to minimize risks, but an umbilical hernia repair like all operations, has risks.

Wound Infection Hernia recurrence Bleeding rupture of wound Your risk of complications depends on your overall health and the reason for your surgery.

What is an Umbilical Hernia Repair?

In general, if the hernia becomes bigger with age, is not reducible or is still present after age 3, the child's provider may suggest that the hernia be repaired surgically. If the hernia is strangulated and cannot gently be pushed or massaged back into its proper place within the abdomen, your surgeon will generally recommend immediate surgery The surgery requires a small incision made in the umbilicus (belly button). The loop of intestine is placed back into the abdominal cavity, and the incision closed.

Sometimes a piece of mesh material is used to help strengthen the area where the muscles are repaired

Why is it required?

What are the symptoms?

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of your intestine bulges through the opening in your abdominal muscles near your bellybutton.

Umbilical hernias are most common in infants, but they can affect adults as well. In an infant, an umbilical hernia may be especially evident when the infant cries, causing the bellybutton to protrude. Umbilical hernias that appear during adulthood are more likely to need surgical repair.

If the umbilical hernia has become incarcerated (trapped within the abdominal opening), a serious medical condition in which the protruding intestine becomes trapped and deprived of blood supply. The intestine can quickly become necrotic if not repaired, which requires surgical removal of the affected intestine.

An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. In babies who have an umbilical hernia, the bulge may be visible only when they cry, cough or strain.

Symptoms of a strangulated umbilical hernia include: Abdominal pain and tenderness Constipation Fever Full, round abdomen Red, purple, dark or discolored bulge Vomiting

How is it Diagnosed?

An umbilical hernia is diagnosed during a physical exam. Sometimes imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan, are used to screen for complications.