Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

Risks & Complications

All hernia surgeries have somewhat similar complications during the procedure. It includes-

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
• Bleeding
• Infection

In addition, there are also some risks of getting post-surgery complications until the recovery is complete. The potential complications are-

• Mesh infection
• Pain in the wound or stitches
• Fluid accumulation or seroma
• Blood accumulation or hematoma
• Wound infection
• Urinary retention
• Recurrence

To even reduce the chances of these complications, the doctor will create a detailed plan that will contain detailed instructions for a faster and smoother recovery.

How to prepare for the surgery?

To prepare for umbilical hernia surgery, follow the steps below- 

• Avoid eating or drinking anything at least 6-8 hours before the surgery. 
• Provide a list of medicine to the doctor so that he/she can make the necessary adjustments to prepare the body for surgery. 
• The anesthetist will ask a series of questions to analyze which anesthesia will be appropriate to use during the procedure. 
• The doctor will ask to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicines, etc., for at least a week before the surgery as they increase the potential risk of bleeding. 
• Get a full-body checkup to eliminate the risk of any underlying condition that can compromise the outcome or success rate of the surgical repair. 
• Take a shower and wear loose and comfortable clothes before being admitted to the hospital. 
• Ask a friend or family member to stay with you. 

What to expect after the surgery?

Immediately after the surgery, you will feel slightly disoriented. There will be numbness in the surgical site, and IV fluids & pain medications will be given to you. 

When hernia surgery is done electively without complications, the patient is generally discharged on the same day. However, if there are complications associated with the treatment, the doctor may suggest at least one day of hospitalization. 

Before you are discharged, the doctor will also create a recovery plan, including diet, physical restrictions, etc. 

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery

Pristyn Care uses the laparoscopic technique for umbilical hernia repair as it is beneficial in the following aspects- 

• The procedure involves very small incisions, i.e., keyhole-sized incisions, making the surgery minimally invasive. 
• As limited skin tissue is cut, the scarring after the surgery is also minimal. 
• The chances of bleeding and infection are also less than in open surgery. 
• Laparoscopic hernia repair doesn’t require prolonged hospitalization. Thus, the patient gets discharged on the same day. 
• The recovery is quick, and there are minimal chances of post-surgery complications. 
• The patient can resume normal activities sooner as there won’t be a large external wound that would interfere with the regular tasks.

Types of Surgery

Surgery is the definitive treatment for an umbilical hernia. Through surgery, the doctor pushes the protruding organ back to its original position and repairs the hole in the muscle wall. The repair can be done through- 

• Herniorrhaphy (Tissue Repair)

This type of hernia repair is performed when the hole in the muscle wall can be closed by stitching the sides of the muscle opening. Thus, there is no need for additional support, and the muscle tissues will heal over time, thereby preventing the internal organs from pushing through. 

• Hernioplasty (Mesh Repair)

Also known as mesh repair surgery, this type of hernia repair surgery involves using a synthetic or artificial mesh. The mesh pieces are precisely cut into the shape of the hole and placed above and beneath the muscle tissues to act as reinforcements. The corners of the mesh are stitched with the muscles to avoid displacement. The mesh prevents the organ from pushing through the muscle wall. 

Both procedures are safe and effective in treating hernias and can be performed using open or laparoscopic techniques. 

Techniques Used for Umbilical Hernia Repair

The different techniques used for umbilical hernia repair are mentioned below- 

Open Surgery- This is the conventional approach to repair an umbilical hernia. A large incision is made in this technique through which internal organs are accessed. The herniated organ is pushed back, and the opening in the muscle wall is closed properly with stitches or using hernia mesh. 

Laparoscopic Surgery- This is a minimally invasive technique for hernia repair. It involves using a laparoscopic that has a camera attached to one end. The laparoscope provides a clear view of the internal organs. The herniated organ from the belly button is pushed back inside, and a mesh is inserted through the incision and placed below the perforation in the muscle wall. Though the procedure involves making multiple incisions, all of them are keyhole-sized and can be closed with surgical tape. 

Robotic Surgery- Similar to laparoscopic surgery, this is also performed with the help of a laparoscope. The only difference is that the surgical equipment is handled by the doctor with the help of a console. It is used for smaller hernias (common in children). 

Other Options for Umbilical Hernia Management

There are no other treatment options for an umbilical hernia. The only alternative to surgery is watchful waiting. And this method is only recommended when the condition is not symptomatic. 

Recovery & Results After Surgery

The recovery after umbilical hernia surgery takes around 3-6 weeks. The actual period may be different for each patient based on the technique used for the repair and the patient’s healing abilities. If the patient is healthy and open repair is done, the recovery will take around 4-6 weeks. In the same case, if laparoscopic repair is done, the recovery period will be around 3-4 weeks. 

If the patient’s health is not optimal, then the recovery will be prolonged. 

The results of umbilical hernia repair will be visible shortly after the surgery. There will be some bruising and swelling at the surgical site. The bulge will disappear completely as the organ is pushed back.