Umbilical hernia repair

Before Your Surgery

• Authorization should be obtained prior to surgery and will be done by the hospital or the rooms staff depending on whether you are an in- or outpatient.

• Make sure that you have been fasting for solid foods for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery and for clear liquids or water for at least 2 hours prior to your surgery. Discuss your chronic medications with your doctor or hospital staff prior to your surgery as you usually are allowed to take chronic medications the day of surgery, barring diabetic medication the day of the procedure. If you are taking any blood thinning medication please discuss these in detail with your doctor as special arrangements need to be made for these.

Day of Surgery

You will be admitted to hospital or day theatre. The operation will be performed under anaesthesia. After surgery, you will be monitored in recovery before discharge or transfer to the ward.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.

An incision is made near the umbilicus. The hernia sac is identified, and the contents are returned into the abdominal cavity. The weakness in the abdominal wall is repaired using sutures and, in some cases, surgical mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence.

The wound is then closed and dressed. Large umbilical hernias may be repaired laparoscopically.

Procedure Length

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the hernia.

Possible Complications

• Possible complications include bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling, seroma or haematoma formation, chronic pain, recurrence of the hernia, poor wound healing, mesh-related complications, bowel injury, and unintended damage to surrounding structures.

Duration of Hospital Stay

• Most patients are discharged on the same day. Some patients may require an overnight stay depending on pain control, anaesthetic recovery, or other medical conditions.