HERNIA REPAIR, UMBILICAL-

General Information

DEFINITION--Closure of an umbilical hernia, a weak section of muscle that allows the small intestine to protrude prominently near the navel (umbilicus). This is usually repaired in infancy, but it can be repaired into adulthood.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Abdominal muscular wall around the navel.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Improved appearance.
• Relief of pain.
• Prevention of gangrene in the intestines.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Newborns and infants.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Alcoholism.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or pediatric surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made slightly above or below the navel.
• An incision is made in the peritoneum to open the peritoneal cavity. The contents of the hernia sac are located and replaced in the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum is closed.
• The large abdominal muscle is pulled over the defect. The membrane covering the muscle is overlapped and tied to close the defect.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 10 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Incisional hernia.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to wounds before applying new bandages.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY---Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occur:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.
• New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.