Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Umbilical hernia surgery is the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia, which occurs when abdominal organs (usually intestines or omentum) protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the navel. This condition can occur in both adults and children and may cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort. Umbilical hernia surgery can be performed using open or laparoscopic (closed) techniques to reposition the hernia and reinforce the abdominal wall. The surgery aims to relieve the symptoms caused by the hernia and prevent potential complications.

Umbilical hernia surgery is performed to treat an umbilical hernia that occurs when abdominal organs (usually intestines or fat tissue) protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This condition causes swelling and discomfort around the navel area.

Umbilical hernia surgery may be necessary for the following reasons:

Untreated umbilical hernias can enlarge over time and cause increased discomfort. A growing hernia may make surgical intervention more difficult.

Umbilical hernia pain can occur, especially during coughing, straining, or heavy lifting. Surgery alleviates this pain and discomfort, allowing the patient to perform daily activities more comfortably.

An umbilical hernia may cause an unsightly bulge in the navel area. Surgery can also be performed for cosmetic reasons.

This occurs when herniated organs become trapped in the abdominal wall. The blood flow to the trapped organs can be compromised, leading to severe pain and tissue damage. This situation requires urgent medical intervention.

This occurs when the blood flow to the trapped hernia is completely cut off. Gangrene (tissue death) can develop, necessitating emergency surgery. A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening condition.

Umbilical hernia surgery involves repositioning the organs protruding through a weak point in the abdominal wall back into the abdomen and reinforcing that area. The surgery can be performed using open or laparoscopic (closed) methods. The chosen method depends on the size of the hernia, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s preference.

Open umbilical hernia surgery is performed through an incision made below the navel. The surgeon repositions the hernia sac back into the abdominal cavity and closes the defect in the abdominal wall with sutures. This method may be more suitable for large or complex hernias.

Laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery is performed through small incisions in the abdominal area. A thin telescope called a laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity through these incisions. The surgeon watches the procedure on the laparoscope camera, repositions the hernia sac back into the abdomen, and closes the abdominal wall defect with a mesh. This method offers advantages such as less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars.

The period before umbilical hernia surgery is an important process during which the patient must be prepared both physically and psychologically. These preparations can directly affect the success of the surgery and the recovery process.

Here are the steps to pay attention to before umbilical hernia surgery:

• Doctor Consultation:
  
  • A detailed consultation with the surgical team should be conducted to obtain information about the surgical procedure, its risks, and the recovery process.
  • The patient’s medical history, medications, and allergies should be provided.
  • The size, location, and type of the hernia should be assessed.
• Physical Examination:
  
  • The surgeon will perform a physical examination to evaluate the size and condition of the hernia.
• Imaging Tests:
  
  • When necessary, imaging tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) may be requested.
• Blood Tests and EKG:
  
  • Blood tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG) are performed to assess overall health and determine suitability for anesthesia.

• Medication Use:
  
  • Information about regularly taken medications should be provided to the doctor.
  • Some medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped before surgery.
• Smoking and Alcohol:
  
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively affect the recovery process.
  • Smoking and alcohol use should be paused prior to surgery.
• Nutrition:
  
  • Fasting may be required for a certain period before surgery. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
  • Hygiene:
  • A shower should be taken before surgery, and personal hygiene should be maintained.

• Information:
  
  • Detailed information about the surgical procedure, risks, and recovery should be obtained.
  • All questions and concerns should be discussed with the doctor.
• Stress Management:
  
  • Stress and anxiety before surgery are normal.
  • Stress can be managed through relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling.

• Necessary Items:
  
  • Bring comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and required medications to the hospital.
  • Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, do not bring valuable personal items.
• Companion:
  
  • A companion should be arranged for support after surgery.
  • Transportation should be planned as driving will not be possible immediately after the procedure.

The recovery process after umbilical hernia surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery (open or laparoscopic), the size of the hernia, and the patient’s overall health. However, there are several important points to consider.

First Days After Surgery:

• Pain Management:
  
  • You may experience mild to moderate pain after surgery.
  • Take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor regularly.
• Wound Care:
  
  • Keep the surgical area clean and dry.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care.
  • If you notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge, fever), contact your doctor immediately.
• Movement:
  
  • Take light walks to improve blood circulation.
  • Avoid excessive movement and heavy lifting.
• Nutrition:
  
  • Consume light and easily digestible foods to avoid straining your digestive system.
  • Prevent constipation.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
• Rest:
  
  • Rest according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Long-Term Recovery:

• Heavy Lifting and Exercise:
  
  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise without your doctor’s approval.
  • Gradually resume physical activity.
• Diet and Lifestyle:
  
  • Maintain a healthy diet and keep your ideal weight.
  • Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation.
• Follow-Up Visits:
  
  • Attend all follow-up appointments scheduled by your doctor.

Things to Watch For:

• Signs of Infection:
  If you notice redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or fever at the surgical site, contact your doctor immediately.
• Pain:
  Postoperative pain is normal, but consult your doctor if the pain is severe or persistent.
• Swelling:
  Some swelling at the surgical site is normal, but contact your doctor if swelling is excessive.
• Constipation:
  Avoid constipation and consult your doctor if needed.

The duration of umbilical hernia surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the hernia, the surgical technique used (open or laparoscopic), and the patient’s overall health.

• Laparoscopic (closed) surgeries: generally take between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
• Open surgeries: may take slightly longer.

However, each patient is different, so the surgery duration can vary. Preoperative and postoperative preparations and recovery time also affect the total hospital stay.

The cost of umbilical hernia surgery depends on the size and location of the hernia, the surgical technique, and the hospital’s pricing policy. You can get detailed information about the cost by consulting your doctor before the surgery.

At A Life Health Group, we provide services with our experienced and specialized team in umbilical hernia surgery. You can contact us for more information about umbilical hernia or to schedule an appointment.

Remember: Umbilical hernia is a common condition and can often be successfully treated with surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications and maintain your quality of life.

The duration of umbilical hernia surgery depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the hernia, the surgical technique used (open or laparoscopic), and the patient’s overall health.

See detailed information above.

Umbilical hernia surgery is generally considered a safe procedure, and the risk of death is very low. However, as with any surgical intervention, there are some risks, and in rare cases, it may lead to life-threatening complications.

There is a risk of hernia recurrence after surgery. This risk depends on the size and location of the hernia and your overall health. To reduce the risk of recurrence, you can:

• Follow your doctor’s recommendations after surgery.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Prevent constipation.
• Avoid smoking.

If left untreated, an umbilical hernia can lead to serious complications such as incarceration or strangulation of the herniated organs. These situations require emergency surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, umbilical hernia surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, wound healing problems, hernia recurrence, nerve injury, and anesthesia-related complications. However, these complications are rare, and the risk is lower when surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Open umbilical hernia surgery leaves a scar at the hernia site. In laparoscopic surgery, the scars are smaller and less noticeable. Scars are expected to fade over time.