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Become trapped or block the intestine. For adults, surgery is typically recommended to avoid possible complications, especially if the umbilical hernia gets bigger or becomes painful. During surgery, a small incision is made near the bellybutton.
The only treatment for an umbilical hernia is hernia repair surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon makes incisions (cuts) that allow them to access the hernia and push the tissue back into place. Then, they strengthen the abdominal wall muscle to hold the tissue in place.
Find information on umbilical hernia repair surgery, including why it’s done, how to prepare, and what to expect during the procedure.
The goal in fixing an umbilical hernia is to reduce the hernia “sac”, or the lining of the belly which goes through the hernia defect, and then cover the opening to prevent fat or organs from going through the defect again.
If a hernia is causing pain or is incarcerated or strangulated, surgery is generally needed to repair it. In some cases, it may be emergency surgery. The surgery may be minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision, or you may need an open surgery, which needs a larger incision.
The ideal time to repair an umbilical hernia is prior to incarceration and strangulation of intraabdominal contents such as the omentum or bowel. Umbilical herniorrhaphy may be performed via several surgical approaches and may include the use of synthetic or biologic mesh.
An umbilical hernia creates a soft swelling or bulge near the navel. In babies who have an umbilical hernia, the bulge may be visible only when they cry, cough or strain. Umbilical hernias in children are usually painless.
Umbilical hernia repair is a fairly quick and simple operation. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes and it's usually possible to go home on the same day. However, some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or if they live alone.
If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.
There is no significant evidence on the best technique to repair an umbilical hernia. The type of repair may also depend on the size of the hernia. Open mesh and laparoscopic repair for umbilical hernias do not differ in 30-day outcomes or in risk of recurrence.