Umbilical hernia treatment – umbilical hernia surgery
What is an umbilical hernia repair?
It is a surgical procedure to restore organs or tissues to their proper position after they have escaped from the peritoneum in the form of a hernia sac. Although it most commonly affects children, the problem can also occur in adults, especially in women following pregnancy, childbirth or trauma to the umbilical region. Umbilical hernia repair is usually performed under general or local anaesthesia and can be performed either by the traditional open method or laparoscopically.
Do you have questions about the procedure?
Do you need more information about the treatment? Our coordinators will be happy to provide you with the necessary information, arrange all the necessary appointments and guide you through the entire diagnostic treatment process.
Umbilical hernia symptoms
Symptoms of an umbilical hernia are characterized by visible bulges in the navel area. These may become apparent under various circumstances, such as coughing, strenuous physical exertion, or standing. The bulges vary in both size and shape, and their visibility often increases with abdominal muscle tension.
Sufferers may experience pain or discomfort at the site of the protrusion. This pain tends to get worse when touching or applying pressure to the area. In addition, some patients complain of a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdominal cavity, which can be particularly distressing.
Causes of umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernia can have a variety of origins, which we divide into congenital and acquired. In the youngest children, it often occurs as a congenital defect, meaning that it is the result of abnormal bowel development during fetal life. In many cases in children, the hernia resolves spontaneously without the need for medical action.
In adults, the most common causes of this condition are related to weakening of the connective tissue. This weakening can be the result of various factors:
Understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent future recurrences of the problem.
Methods of umbilical hernia surgery
Treatment of an umbilical hernia involves surgical removal of the protrusion. The main aim of this procedure is to restore the organs to the abdominal cavity and to strengthen the hernia site. In this context, we distinguish between two main operational methods:
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is an innovative and minimally invasive method. During this procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen through which a camera and the necessary surgical instruments are inserted. With this technique, it is possible to precisely remove the hernia with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. The key advantages of laparoscopic surgery are:
The techniques used during laparoscopic surgery are becoming more advanced, resulting in higher safety and efficiency of the procedure. However, it is important to remember that the decision to perform laparoscopic surgery should be preceded by a thorough diagnosis and assessment of the patient’s condition by a competent doctor.
Recovery after surgery
The recovery period lasts 2-6 months and is aimed at healing the wound and returning to fitness. Adherence to post-operative care is key: regular dressing changes, wound hygiene, avoiding exertion and lifting. Proper diet and a safe change of body position are also important. Rehabilitation should be individually tailored and progress monitored during visits to the doctor.
Preventing umbilical hernias
After umbilical hernia surgery, complications such as infections, bleeding and hernia recurrence can occur. Infections can prolong recovery and require antibiotics. Bleeding, both internal and external, requires immediate medical consultation. Chronic pain, internal adhesions and reactions to anaesthesia, such as nausea and dizziness, are also possible. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s advice and report worrying symptoms.
General surgeons of Medicus Clinic
A visit to a general surgeon at Medicus Clinic is a key part of the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of an umbilical hernia. Our experienced specialists carry out thorough examinations, select optimal treatment methods and offer effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
