Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair

What is umbilical hernia repair surgery?

Umbilical hernia repair very specifically is a procedure for fixing the umbilical hernias. It is a condition where the intestine bulges through the opening in the abdominal muscles.

Umbilical hernias are usually seen in infants, young children as well as in adults.

In adults, it could also lead to a rare and serious condition called strangulation which cuts off the blood supply to the herniated tissue and this is a sudden activity.

This condition usually occurs in umbilical hernias that cannot be pushed back in the abdominal cavity as well as are non-reducible.

Infants are prone to Umbilical hernias. The umbilical cord that is the connection between the mother and the infant passes through the baby's abdominal muscles during pregnancy. This opening usually closes right after birth. 

If it doesn't close all the way, it can lead to an umbilical hernia.

Are there any risks associated with Laproscopic umbilical hernia repair surgery?

The risks associated with an umbilical hernia repair surgery are generally low. The complications may arise if the patient has a serious medical history. There could also be an increased risk and complication due to-

• Allergy to anesthesia.

• Operational injury to the small intestine and intra-abdominal structure

• Blood clotting

• Infection

How to prepare for Laproscopic umbilical hernia repair surgery?

• It is important to note that if the surgery is to be performed on a child, the parents should list any visible signs and symptoms. If there is any medical history or allergies to medicines or anesthesia.

• Umbilical hernia repair surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and this ensures the patient does not experience any pain. In some cases, a spinal block is used instead of an anesthetic drug around your spinal cord, which creates numbness in the abdominal area to be repaired.

• Fasting is recommended as a standard requirement for at least six hours before surgery. On a case, to case basis, doctors may give different instructions before the surgery.

• Before the surgery, the patient should bathe and clean the abdomen, especially around the umbilical area.

How is Laproscopic umbilical hernia repair surgery performed?

Laparoscopic hernia repair for umbilical hernia is a less invasive procedure.

The procedure includes making several smaller incisions around the hernia bulge site. Through a thin and long tube, the laparoscope and other tools are inserted.

The laparoscope allows the surgeon to see inside your abdominal cavity on a video screen. In children, the opening is closed with sutures.

However, in adults, the abdominal wall is strengthened by using mesh before the incisions are closed.

What is the Post-Surgery care to be taken ?

Post-surgery the patient is taken to a recovery room to come out of anesthesia.

Here the patient's vital signs are monitored including breathing, temperature, oxygenation, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Umbilical hernia surgeries are mostly outpatient basis and the patient can go home the same day.

If required an overnight stay is suggested for further monitoring.

What are the Risks involved with Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair surgery?

Complications are rare in the case of umbilical hernia surgery, but they cannot be waived off. There could be -

• Infection at the wound site.

• Numbness in the legs.

• Nausea/vomiting.

• Fever

• Recurrence of the hernia.

• Headache