Umbilical Hernia - Repair & Surgery

: Admin : 2022-08-27

An umbilical hernia occurs as a consequence of muscular weakening in or around the lower abdomen. It causes the abdominal button to protrude and may occur at any age. Umbilical hernias are particularly frequent in pregnant women and in those who are overweight.

An umbilical hernia is not inherently hazardous, but it may get stuck (incarcerated). This may cut off the blood supply to the contents of the hernia, resulting in potentially fatal complications including gangrene or peritonitis (if this happens, the hernia is said to be strangulated). If left untreated, your hernia will get bigger and more unpleasant. In most situations, a hernia repair procedure is advised.

Diagnosis

Your abdomen will be examined by your doctor. If you have an umbilical hernia, the belly button will normally protrude.

In adults, an untreated umbilical hernia may lead to significant sickness. The size of the hernia raises the risk of sickness. Umbilical hernia repair is frequently recommended by your doctor or surgeon.

Getting ready for your surgery

• Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare for your procedure. For example, if you smoke, you will be advised to quit since it increases your chances of having a wound or a chest infection and hinders your recovery.
• Umbilical hernia repair is often performed as an outpatient operation under general anaesthesia. This implies that you will be sleeping during the process. You might also choose to have the procedure done under local anaesthetic. This fully inhibits sensation around the belly button, and you will remain awake during the procedure. To help you relax, a sedative may be administered in conjunction with a local anaesthetic.
• Your surgeon will advise you on the best form of anaesthetic for you.
• Fasting instructions will be given to you if you are having general anaesthesia. Typically, you must fast for six hours before undergoing general anaesthesia. However, some anaesthetists allow sips of water up to two hours before the procedure.
• Your doctor may check your heart rate, blood pressure, and urine in the hospital.
• Your surgeon will usually ask you to sign a consent form. This shows that you understand the procedure's risks, advantages, and potential alternatives and have given your consent for it to proceed.
• Your doctor will get you ready for the operating room. Compression stockings may be prescribed to assist prevent blood clots from developing in your leg veins. You may need an injection of heparin, an anti-clotting medication, in addition to or instead of stockings.

About the procedure

• The goal of a hernia repair procedure is to push the contents of the bulge back into the belly while also strengthening the abdominal wall. There are two kinds of hernia repair procedures: open and keyhole. In most instances, an open repair is performed, which includes a tiny incision right below your belly button. If the hernia recurs, keyhole surgery is sometimes suggested.
• Surgical incisions
• The bulge is pulled back into place with a single incision (5 to 10cm long) immediately below or above your belly button. To reinforce the abdominal wall, your surgeon may sew a synthetic mesh over the weak region. The skin incision is stitched up and sealed with a dressing.