General surgery

A hernia is the protrusion of an abdominal organ or part of it through the subcutaneous tissues of the abdominal wall. Hernias can occur in several places – the most common ones are inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, incisional hernia, and femoral hernia. An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of internal organs through the navel. There are many reasons for the development of an umbilical hernia, such as pregnancy, frequent constipation, heavy physical strain, heredity, obesity, and several other factors.

An umbilical hernia can be suspected based on the following signs: pain around the navel when coughing or sneezing, frequent constipation, and changes in the size of the navel. In the early stages, an umbilical hernia can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity while lying down, but this does not protect against hernia recurrence, so it is essential to carefully monitor your feelings and seek medical attention in a timely manner. A hernia can become incarcerated at any time, so it is advisable to have an umbilical hernia removed once it is detected.

Surgery

During the operation, the surgeon removes the hernia sac through incisions in the skin. Then, a mesh prosthesis is inserted through the same incisions to minimize the risk of hernia recurrence.

The surgery for umbilical hernia removal can be performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition. Your treating physician will determine the appropriate option.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, you may need to stay under observation in the hospital for the next 24 hours. You can start light walking the day after the operation. Avoid lifting heavy objects (over 15 kg) during the first 14 days. Pain at the incision site may be present during the first 14 days.

The diagnosis and treatment of an umbilical hernia will be determined by your treating physician. Start your treatment journey by visiting a surgeon’s consultation!