Umbilical Hernia Surgery

A surgical procedure to repair a bulge that forms in the inner lining of the abdomen and pushes through the hole near the belly button or navel, known as an umbilical hernia, is known as an umbilical hernia repair surgery.

An umbilical hernia does not cause pain or discomfort in the early stages. But, it may, later on lead to complications like strangulation or incarceration.
An umbilical hernia repair surgery helps in pushing the protruding organ back into its original position and repairing the hole safely.

Causes: Umbilical hernia may occur due to the following reasons:

1. Congenital (present at birth) weakness
2. Open channel of the umbilical cord (a tube that connects the unborn baby to the mother)
3. Multiple pregnancies
4. Excessive pressure in the wall of the abdomen
5. Abdominal surgeries
6. Persistent cough

Types:
Umbilical hernia surgery is used for pushing the protruding organ back to its original position and repairing the hole in the muscle wall. There are two ways in which repair can be performed, which include:

1. Herniorrhaphy (tissue repair): 

• This type of hernia repair can be performed when the hole in the muscle wall can be closed by stitching the sides of the muscle opening.
• The muscle tissues then heal over time, without the need for any additional support, thus preventing the internal organs from pushing through.

2. Hernioplasty (mesh repair):

• This procedure involves the use of an artificial or synthetic mesh.
• The mesh pieces are first cut into the shape of the hole and then placed above and below the muscle tissues.
• The mesh corners are stitched with the muscles for avoiding displacement.
• The mesh will prevent the organ from pushing through the wall of the muscle.

Symptoms

Umbilical hernia may cause the following symptoms and in these conditions umbilical hernia surgery is needed-

1. Bulge or swelling near the navel region
2. Severe stomach pain
3. Tenderness around the bulge region
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Discoloration of the skin around the bulge

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic tests may be performed before an umbilical hernia surgery:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will ask the patient to cough while standing, sitting, and lying down to check the bulge. The patient’s symptoms and medical history are noted.
2. Abdominal ultrasound: It helps the doctor to view the abdominal area for a complete assessment of the condition present and the severity of the condition.
3. CT scan: It is a type of imaging test done to obtain clear images of the internal organs and help the doctor distinguish between the abdominal tissues and bulging tissues.
4. MRI scan: It is also a type of imaging test performed so that the doctor can assess the safest procedure for surgical repair.

Treatment

1. Non-surgical methods -

like the use of medications and lifestyle changes can help in relieving the symptoms associated with umbilical hernia surgery, but cannot treat the condition. 

2. Surgical Methods-

Both herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty can be performed using any one of the following surgical techniques:
a) Open surgery:

• The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, that is, the treatment area is numbed.
• A large incision or cut is made by the surgeon to access the internal organs.
• The tissues which are herniated or the bulged portions will be pushed back in their original position.
• The sides of the hole are then either stitched together or a mesh is placed over the tissues for support.
• The incision is then closed using staples, sutures (stitches), or surgical glue.

b) Laparoscopic surgery:

• The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia, that is the patient is put to sleep during the procedure.
• The surgeon will make several small keyhole incisions around the hernia bulge site.
• A long, thin tube having a camera on one end, known as a laparoscope, is inserted into one of the small incisions made.
• This allows the surgeon to see inside the abdominal cavity.
• Other small surgical instruments are inserted into the other keyhole incisions made to carry out the procedure of either herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty.
• The incisions made are then closed by the surgeon.

Risks

Umbilical hernia surgery could have the following complications:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
• Blood clot formation
• Pneumonia
• Bleeding
• Prolonged pain
• Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)
• Bowel injury
• Hematoma 
• Paralytic ileus (intestinal muscles get paralyzed)
• Recurrence of hernia

After Procedure

• The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day after the procedure.
• In case of any complications, the patient needs to stay in the hospital for one or two days before being discharged.
• It is normal for the patient to have some pain and swelling at the surgery site.
• The doctor may prescribe certain pain-relieving medications to ease the pain and discomfort after the procedure.
• The patient should wear loose and comfortable clothing to prevent discomfort.
• Strenuous activities should be avoided.
• The patient should keep the wound area clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Hernia support garments can be worn by the patient to aid in quicker recovery and increased activity levels.
• Recovery following open surgery may take about 4 to 6 weeks.
• Recovery following laparoscopic surgery takes about 3 to 4 weeks.

Home remedies:

The following home remedies can help in providing relief from the symptoms associated with an umbilical hernia:

• Castor seed oil packs can be placed on the stomach to relieve the pain and swelling.
• Aloe vera juice can be consumed before every meal. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Ice packs can help in relieving the pain and bloating associated with an umbilical hernia.
• Consumption of raw ginger or concentrated ginger juice helps in providing relief from the pain and discomfort of the person affected by an umbilical hernia.
• Black pepper can help in reducing acid reflux, which helps in treating the swollen areas of a hernia.
• Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Avoid the consumption of spicy food, acidic food, and food that is difficult to digest.
• Lose weight by exercising and eating healthy to avoid obesity.
• Yoga can be practiced to reduce stress.
• Avoid strenuous exercises.
• Have a glass of mixed vegetable juice daily to help in soothing the pain and burning symptoms that occur due to hernia.

Cost of Umbilical Hernia Surgery in India- 

The cost of umbilical hernia surgery in Mumbai is between INR 65,000 to INR 2,50,000.
The cost of umbilical hernia surgery in Delhi is between INR 60,000 to INR 2,25,000.
The cost of umbilical hernia surgery in Bangalore is between INR 60,000 to INR 2,25,000.
The cost of umbilical hernia surgery in Chennai is between INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000.