Umbilical Hernia Repair

Indication:

This is a weakness or swelling of the navel (belly button).
It may become bigger, more uncomfortable or become unsightly. Sometimes fat or bowel gets stuck in the hernia causing severe pain and illness

Procedure:

A cut is made around the navel. Any fat or bowel that is inside the hernia is pushed back or removed. The weakness in the muscles is mended with strong stitches or a prosthetic sheet (mesh). The skin is then closed (usually with dissolving stitches).

Possible complications:

Bruising and swelling may be troublesome, particularly if the hernia was large. The swelling may take four to six weeks to settle down.
Infection is a rare problem and will be treated appropriately by the surgeon.
Aches and pains may be felt in the wound for up to six months. Occasionally there are numb patches in the skin around the wound which get better after two to three months.
The risk of a recurrence of the hernia is about 1 in 30.

Duration:

N/A