Umbilical hernia (hernia umbilicalis) is a type of hernia in which the hernial orifice is located around the navel. A distinction is made between congenital umbilical hernias, which occur in infants, and acquired umbilical hernias, which occur in adults. The preferred age is in the sixth decade of life and infancy. Hernia umbilicalis is very common in infants. This usually has no tendency to incarcerate, but usually regresses spontaneously during the first two years of life. In adults, umbilical hernias are relatively common. These usually do not cause subjective discomfort. The affected patient has usually come to terms with the bulging appearance of the umbilicus. In umbilical hernias with a small hernial orifice, entrapment of the abdominal organs may occur (incarceration) and lead to significant discomfort.
The surgical procedure
Herniotomy (synonym: hernia surgery) is an operation to remove or correct a hernia. During surgery for an umbilical hernia, an incision is made in the umbilical region to expose the affected structures. Then, a plastic mesh is usually inserted and the individual layers are well sutured to close the hernial orifice.
IN one study, it was shown that even in smaller umbilical hernias, one to four centimeters in diameter, the use of a mesh reduced the recurrence rate (recurrence of the disease) compared to suture repair alone. After a maximum follow-up of 30 months, there were fewer recurrences in the mesh group than in the suture group (4% versus 17%).
The form of surgery chosen depends on the patient’s condition, exact findings, and secondary diseases.
The operation is mainly performed under general or regional anesthesia. It can also be performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible complications
- Wound healing disorders and wound infections
- Bleeding
- Nerve or vascular damage
- Injury to the intestines or other internal organs
- Recurrence, that is, recurrence of umbilical hernia.
- Excessive scarring
- Scar hernia (scar hernia)
Surgery for umbilical hernia in adulthood is a safe procedure to avoid complications of umbilical hernia.
