Name of the Procedure:

Repair umbilical hernia, age 5 years or older; reducible
Common name(s): Umbilical hernia repair, Herniorrhaphy

Summary

Umbilical hernia repair is a surgical procedure performed to fix a hernia located near the belly button (umbilicus). It involves pushing the protruding tissue back into place and reinforcing the weakened area to prevent recurrence. This is a common procedure often performed under general anesthesia.

Purpose

Addresses the medical condition where internal tissues protrude through an opening in the abdominal muscles at the belly button, known as an umbilical hernia. The goal is to restore the normal anatomy, alleviate symptoms, and prevent potential complications such as obstruction or strangulation of the protruding tissue.

Indications

• Visible bulge near the belly button.
• Pain or discomfort in the hernia area.
• Complications like obstruction or risk of strangulation.
• Hernia that has not resolved on its own by age 5.
• Difficulty in reducing the hernia manually.

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast for 6-8 hours before surgery.
• Pre-operative assessments including physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies if needed.
• Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications as instructed by the healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. The patient receives general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made near the umbilical area.
3. The protruding tissue is gently pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
4. The weakened area of the abdominal wall is reinforced using sutures, and sometimes a synthetic mesh is placed to provide additional support.
5. The incision is then closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Duration

The procedure typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Pediatric surgeon or general surgeon experienced in hernia repairs.
• Anesthesiologist.
• Surgical nurses and assisting staff.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Infection, bleeding, or bruising at the surgical site.
• Rare risks: Recurrence of the hernia, complications from anesthesia, injury to surrounding tissues.

Benefits

• Relief from pain and discomfort caused by the hernia.
• Reduced risk of complications related to the hernia.
• Improved quality of life with resumption of normal activities within a few weeks.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes wound care and activity restrictions.
• The patient is usually discharged the same day or the next day, with specific instructions for home care.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
• Full recovery typically occurs within 2-4 weeks, with a gradual return to normal activities.

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting for small, asymptomatic hernias.
• Alternative surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic repair, depending on the surgeon's assessment.
• Pros: Less invasive options may be considered for minor cases.
• Cons: Risk of hernia enlargement or complications if left untreated.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: The patient is under general anesthesia and will not feel pain.
• After the procedure: Mild to moderate pain managed by prescribed medication.
• Pain management and comfort measures include the use of pain relievers and proper wound care instructions for home recovery.