Umbilical Hernia Repair

What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia occurs when an internal structure pushes out through a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall around the belly button. These types of hernias are quite common, and some people don’t even realise they have one. However, others will be aware of a bulge at the belly button which tends to go away when they lie down (doctors describe this as being reducible) but pop out again when they stand up, cough, sneeze or exert themselves. An umbilical hernia will not get better on its own, and most patients are advised to have them repaired. This type of hernia may gradually enlarge over time, and sometimes it can be associated with some local discomfort. Sometimes, an umbilical hernia can become stuck and it becomes irreducible. In this situation, things can become more uncomfortable, and this can lead to more serious problems such as strangulation or bowel obstruction. If this happens, urgent admission to hospital and emergency surgery is usually required.

When is an umbilical hernia repair recommended?

Umbilical hernia repair is recommended when the hernia causes symptoms or poses a risk of further complications. Symptoms like pain, discomfort, or a noticeable bulge near the belly button that becomes more pronounced when standing or straining are common reasons for surgery. Surgery is also advised if the hernia increases in size, or if there are concerns about complications such as incarceration (when the herniated tissue becomes trapped and can't be pushed back) or strangulation (when the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, leading to tissue death). In children, umbilical hernias often resolve on their own, but surgery may be recommended if the hernia persists beyond the age of 3-4 years or causes symptoms. In adults, hernia repair is usually necessary, as they rarely close on their own and can progressively worsen over time.

What does an umbilical hernia repair involve?

This operation is usually done under general anaesthetic and takes around 40 minutes to perform with patients usually being able to go home later the same day. An umbilical hernia repair operation involves making a small incision beneath the belly button, where the surgeon will free up the hernia and push it back into the abdomen. The defect that is left, if small, is repaired with stitches. For larger defects a soft, synthetic, non-absorbable mesh is used to reinforce the repair. This is fixed in place with a few stitches, placed in the abdominal wall, and the wound is closed with a dissolvable suture or surgical glue.

What are the potential risks and complications?

There are small risks associated with any surgery. Before the operation, patients undergo assessments to check for heart, lung, or any other existing medical conditions. During the hospital stay, patients are usually required to wear compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots (thrombosis). Although rare, wound infections can occur after umbilical hernia repair surgery, and if they do, a course of antibiotics may be necessary. Some patients may experience bruising or swelling around the incision, which is often caused by blood or tissue fluids accumulating in the space where the hernia was. These fluids typically resolve on their own over time, but in rare cases, the fluid may need to be drained. Patients should contact their surgeon if they notice any of the following symptoms after surgery:

• Redness around or drainage the incision 
• Fever 
• Bleeding from the incision
• Pain that is not relieved by medication or pain that suddenly worsens

In the longer term there is a small risk of the hernia recurring.

Umbilical hernia repair cost

The cost of open umbilical hernia repair varies depending on factors such as location, hospital, and the complexity of the procedure. Using the Get Well Soon platform, you can compare the umbilical hernia repair costs in Birmingham and search for local surgeons and hospitals, to find the best treatment package for you.

Umbilical hernia repair recovery

Recovery from open umbilical hernia repair is generally quick and smooth, with most patients resuming normal activities within 2-4 weeks. In the immediate days following surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling or bruising at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the doctor. It's important to avoid strenuous activities during the early recovery phase, such as heavy lifting or exercises that put pressure on the abdominal muscles. We recommend no heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks.

Walking and light activities are encouraged to promote healing and prevent complications like blood clots. Most patients can return to light work within a week, but those with physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer. Full recovery, including the complete healing of the surgical site and the ability to resume all normal activities, typically occurs within six weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor progress and ensure the hernia does not recur.

Umbilical hernia repair in Birmingham

Open umbilical hernia repair is a commonly performed and highly successful procedure to correct hernias located near the belly button. While there are some risks associated with the surgery, most patients experience significant relief from symptoms with minimal downtime. To compare the costs of hernia repair surgery in Birmingham, and at other private clinics in the UK, please get in touch with Get Well Soon today. Or use our website to book a consultation with your chosen surgeon in 3 simple steps.