Definition of Umbilical hernia repair:

Umbilical hernia repair is surgery to correct an umbilical hernia, a sac of abdominal tissue that sticks through the belly button.

Description:

The surgery is often done under general anesthesia (asleep, pain-free), but small hernias may be repaired while the person is under local anesthesia (awake but pain-free). A surgical cut is made under the belly button. The surgeon identifies the hernia sac, separates it from the surrounding tissues, and pushes it back inside the abdominal cavity.

If the hernia defect is very small, it may be closed with strong non-absorbable sutures (stitches). If the hernia defect is larger, it should be closed with a piece of mesh.

Indications:

Children:

Umbilical hernias are fairly common. Such a hernia is obvious at birth, as it pushes the belly button outward. This is more obvious when the infant cries, becauses increased pressure results in more noticable bulging.

In infants, the defect is not usually treated surgically. In most cases, by age 3 the umbilical hernia shrinks and closes without treatment.

Umbilical hernia repair may be necessary for children for the following reasons:

• The herniated tissue is stuck in the protruding position, or if blood supply is affected
• The defect has not closed by age 3 or 4
• The defect is very large or unacceptable to parents for cosmetic reasons

Adults:

Umbilical or para-umbilical hernias are relatively common in adults. They are more common in overweight people and in women, especially after pregnancy. Most surgeons recommend they be surgically repaired, as they tend to get bigger over time.

Without surgery, there is a risk that some abdominal contents, typically a bit of fat or intestine, will get stuck (incarcerated) in the hernia defect and become impossible to push back in, which is typically painful. If the blood supply is compromised (strangulation), urgent surgery is needed.

Incarcerated abdominal tissue may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Any patient with a hernia that cannot be reduced, or pushed back in, while lying down and relaxed should seek urgent medical attention.