Umbilical/Paraumbilical Hernia

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia, also called a paraumbilical hernia, is a visible tissue bulge or swelling around the navel or belly button. This condition occurs when a portion of the intestine or other tissues pushes through the umbilical ring, a small opening in the abdominal walls near the belly button.

Umbilical hernias are typically harmless and most common in newborns under six months old, often referred to as congenital umbilical hernias. These hernias often resolve on their own when the child reaches the age of four or five. In some cases, however, this condition can persist into adulthood due to complications with the abdominal muscles, which require surgical repair.

How Is an Umbilical Hernia Diagnosed?

Most umbilical hernias can be diagnosed through a physical examination, where the doctor visually inspects the navel area and gently presses on the bulge. By doing so, they can determine whether the hernia is reducible and can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity or if it has become incarcerated.

When the hernia is too large or more complex, patients may be scheduled for imaging tests, such as a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound. These tests help assess the size and location of the hernia and determine whether hernia repair is necessary. The doctor may also conduct a blood test to check for infection or rule out other underlying conditions.

Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Singapore

An umbilical hernia is typically repaired by either open surgery or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.

• Open Hernia Repair

  – In traditional open repair surgery, the surgeon makes a single incision over the navel to gain access to the hernia. The herniated tissue is then carefully pushed back into the abdominal cavity, and the weakened area of the abdominal wall is reinforced with stitches or a synthetic mesh patch to prevent a recurrence.

• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

  – This procedure involves making small incisions around the abdomen. The surgeon then inserts a specialised tube equipped with a tiny camera (laparoscope) through one of the incisions. The surgical tool transmits images to a monitor, allowing surgeons to view the abdominal cavity and treat hernias effectively.

Recovery After Umbilical Hernia Surgery

The recovery timeline for umbilical hernia repair surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Open surgery may take approximately 3-6 weeks for a full recovery, whereas laparoscopic surgery generally takes around 3-4 weeks.

Patients are advised to limit strenuous activities for a few weeks following surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications to help manage any mild pain or discomfort. However, if you experience any unusual or concerning pain after surgery, contact your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of potential complications that need to be addressed.

What Are the Risks of Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

Although uncommon, there are potential risks and complications associated with umbilical hernia repair. These include:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Fluid buildup around the wound (seroma)
• Hernia recurrence
• Excessive bleeding at the incision site (haemorrhage)
• Breathing problems
• Blood clots