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Umbilical hernia repair - series

Umbilical hernia repair

Definition

Umbilical hernia repair is surgery to repair an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is a weak spot in the inner liningof your belly that allows tissue in your abdomen to push through.

Description

You will probably receive general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) for this surgery. If your hernia is small, you may receive local anesthesia and medicine to relax you. You will be awake but pain-free.

Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) under your belly button.

• Your surgeon will find your hernia and separate it from the tissues around it. Then your surgeon will either push it back inside your abdomen or remove it.
• Strong stitches will be used to repair the hole or weak spot caused by the umbilical hernia.
• Your surgeon may also lay a piece of mesh over the weak area.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems, such as pneumonia
• Heart problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

A specific risk of umbilical hernia surgery is injury to the bowel (large intestine). This is rare.

Review Date: 1/30/2009
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.