Overview

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button (navel). It can be present at birth or develop over time due to increased pressure in the abdomen from obesity, pregnancy or heavy lifting.

Umbilical hernia repair is a surgical procedure aimed at fixing this bulge and strengthening the abdominal wall. This treatment helps relieve pain, prevent complications and restore normal function.

Why Umbilical Hernia Repair is Required?

To prevent the hernia from enlarging or causing discomfort.

To reduce the risk of hernia strangulation or obstruction.

For treating pain, swelling or bulging near the navel.

When lifestyle limitations arise due to the hernia.

If the hernia is not closing naturally in children after age 4–5.

To avoid complications like infection or restricted blood flow to tissue.

Key Advantages of Umbilical Hernia Repair Treatment

Permanent solution to the hernia issue.

Improves quality of life and physical appearance.

Quick recovery with laparoscopic or robotic techniques.

Low recurrence rate, especially with umbilical hernia repair with mesh.

Minimally invasive options such as laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair or robotic umbilical hernia repair offer smaller scars and less pain.

Reduced risk of complications like strangulation or obstruction.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Umbilical Hernia Repair Treatment

Share complete medical history and medications with your doctor.

Stop blood-thinning medicines if advised.

Avoid eating or drinking as per fasting instructions before surgery.

Arrange for a responsible adult to assist you post-surgery.

Maintain hygiene in the area around the belly button.

Ask your surgeon about whether you will need open umbilical hernia repair or lap umbilical hernia repair.

How Umbilical Hernia Repair Treatment is Performed?

The surgeon makes a small incision near the navel.

The bulging tissue or intestine is gently pushed back into the abdomen.

The weakened abdominal wall is closed, often using a mesh for reinforcement (umbilical hernia repair with mesh).

Procedure can be done using:

Open surgery

Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair

Robotic umbilical hernia repair

Umbilical hernia repair steps may vary slightly depending on the technique chosen.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure:

Physical examination and imaging if needed.

Fasting and medical clearance.

Consent and pre-operative instructions.

2. During the Procedure:

Surgery usually lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia.

Repair of umbilical hernia is done using sutures or mesh.

3. After the Procedure:

Mild soreness or swelling at the site.

You will be monitored and discharged the same day or next.

Return to light activities in a few days.

Full umbilical hernia repair recovery may take 2 to 4 weeks.

For minimally invasive surgeries, umbilical hernia repair surgery recovery is faster.

Risk and Potential Complications

Infection at the incision site.

Bleeding or bruising.

Mesh-related complications (rare).

Pain or numbness near the surgical site.

Hernia recurrence (low, especially with mesh).

Seroma (fluid buildup).

Results/Outcomes

High success rate in both adults and children.

Most patients experience no long-term issues.

Excellent cosmetic and functional results.

Umbilical hernia repair before and after results often show major relief from symptoms.

Improved confidence in daily movement and activities.