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The umbilicus or "belly button" is the site where the placenta once entered the body. This small
hole usually closes some time after birth, early in life, but is a weak spot in the abdominal wall which can re open
as an adult and allow a protrusion to push through it.
Small umbilical hernias are
often not even perceived and people live without any difficulty. If the hernia enlarges and causes disomfort then repair
is indicated. Like many hernias, it will only tend to enlarge, prompting an larger surgery to repair it. Even
a small umbilical hernia can be dangerous, as it may allow a knuckle of small intestine to protrude throught the hole and
become strangulated. This potential surgical emergency can be avoided with elective repair.
Surgery
The operation to repair an umbilical hernia is usually an outpatient (same day) procedure. The type of anesthesia
required varies from sedation with local injection, spinal or regional, epidural, or even general. A small incision
is made near the umbilicus and if the defect is large enough, a mesh made specifically for this location, is often placed.
This allows the repair to be done with no tension on the tissues and so recurrence rate is low and pain is usually minimal.
Bruising and swelling around the area is common. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures under the skin. Steri
Strips are placed and a dressing is placed atop. This dressing should be removed the next day. Leave the steri
strips in place for several days and routine hygeine is sufficient for routine wound care. Follow up appointment is recommended
at two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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