Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia usually occurs as a lump in the belly  button or near to it, containing tissue protruding from inside the abdomen, in adults it can get worse with time if it is not treated properly.

Symptoms may vary from only a small lump in the belly button or near to it, to a medium big lump that causes pain, it gets bigger with coughing, strain, lift heavy things, and it may shrink at relaxing or lying down.

Diagnosis is made in the office when your doctor palpates the umbilical ring and the content of the umbilical hernia, ultrasound can also be performed in the office if your surgeon is trained to do it.

Surgery is mandatory for all types of hernias in the adult, it can be performed by open or laparoscopic approach, a mesh should be used if the diameter of the hernia is bigger that 2 cm. Your surgeon will tell you the best approach and type of mesh indicated for you to avoid hernia recurrence. 

Hernia complications: all hernias can get worse with time if they are not treated at the time of diagnosis, most common complications of umbilical hernias are uncontrollable pain, associated wit the impossibility to reduce hernia content back to the abdomen, this is called incarceration; but, if the bowel is compromised (strangulation) it can even lead to death. Elective surgery avoids this complications.

Travel after surgery: Most of the times, this is an outpatient surgery, it offers a better and earlier recovery, travel is safe 3 to 5 days after hernia repair.