Surgery removal of umbilical hernia

Surgical interventions in the inpatient department are covered by a loyalty program, which makes treatment even more affordable.

An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of internal organs beyond the abdominal wall through the umbilical ring. Most often, intestinal loops, the omentum, the walls of the bladder and/or uterus enter the hernia sac.

In adults, the disease develops as a result of weakening and stretching of the abdominal muscles, therefore a hernia can only be cured surgically. Modern technologies allow this to be done quickly and minimally invasively.

At Oxford Medical, removal of umbilical hernias is mainly performed by the laparoscopic method – to provide access to the operated area, only 3 punctures up to 1 cm in diameter are made on the peritoneum, through which a laparoscope with a video camera and surgical instruments are inserted.

Operations are performed using the Fast Track Surgery protocol. It helps to facilitate preoperative preparation and accelerate rehabilitation, as well as reduce the risk of complications.

Surgery is the only effective method of treating an umbilical hernia. Conservative therapy (wearing a bandage, massage, etc.) can only be applied in children, but not in all cases. In adults, it is impractical: even with temporary relief of symptoms, the disease continues to progress, which threatens with hernia strangulation and other complications. In such cases, urgent and, as a rule, more complex surgery is required.

Depending on the size of the hernia and other individual characteristics of the patient, the hernia is removed by:

• Tension hernioplasty with own tissues.

• Placement of a mesh endoprosthesis.

Most surgeons recommend the second option. It allows almost completely eliminating the risk of recurrence. The endoprosthesis is a thin but very strong mesh made of biocompatible material. It is placed over the damaged area of the peritoneum. Thus, when intra-abdominal pressure increases, the load is transferred to the implant, and not to the sutures and weakened tissues.

Most often, the operation is performed laparoscopically – this is a minimally invasive method. Access to the organs is provided through 3 punctures in the anterior abdominal wall. Through them, a laparoscope equipped with a miniature video camera and surgical instruments are inserted. To enlarge the surgical field, carbon dioxide is injected into the abdominal cavity.

The image from the laparoscope is transmitted to the monitor screen with multiple magnification. It allows the surgeon to perform all manipulations with maximum precision. First, he extracts the internal organs from the hernia sac and returns them to their anatomically correct place, after which he sutures the hernia gate and, if necessary, applies a mesh endoprosthesis.

In open hernioplasty (may be recommended for a large hernia, complications, and other indications), an incision about 12 cm long is made on the abdominal wall. At the same time, the surgical technique remains the same.

Both laparoscopic and open surgery are performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, spinal anesthesia is used.

Laparoscopy is the most modern technique. It is used in leading clinics around the world equipped with high-precision equipment.

The advantages of laparoscopic removal of an umbilical hernia are:

• No long incision and, consequently, no abdominal scar.

• Reduced risk of complications.

• Facilitated preoperative preparation with the Fast Track Surgery protocol.

• Easier and shorter rehabilitation period.

• Possibility of discharge from the hospital the very next day.

• Full rehabilitation period up to 4–6 weeks.

The surgical department of Oxford Medical is equipped with new diagnostic and surgical equipment of expert class. It allows highly accurate diagnostics and operations of any complexity.

The clinic has a team of highly qualified surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists, since the effectiveness and safety of the operation largely depend on the doctor's skills. By contacting Oxford Medical, you can be sure that your health is in reliable hands.

An umbilical hernia is a serious disease that can affect the quality of life. With an increase in protrusion, patients experience severe pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Without timely treatment, the hernia protrusion may enlarge and cause such complications as:

• Inflammation of the hernia sac.

• Rupture of the hernia sac.

• Intestinal obstruction.

• Hernia strangulation – impaired blood supply to the organ and necrosis development.

In case of complications, urgent surgery is required. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are concerned about:

• Sharp pain.

• Fever.

• Redness and hyperemia of the hernia protrusion, a feeling that it has become hard and does not reduce back into the abdominal cavity.

• Abdominal bloating.

• Nausea, vomiting.

• Prolonged constipation.

• General weakness.

A surgeon can diagnose an umbilical hernia during a patient’s examination. But before surgical treatment, tests, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, and other examinations according to indications are mandatory.

Thanks to the use of the Fast Track Surgery protocol at Oxford Medical, direct preparation for surgery and rehabilitation after it are easier and faster than when following the classical protocol. In particular, dietary restrictions are minimized, early mobilization is allowed, and pain syndrome is reduced due to local anesthesia of the abdominal wall, etc.

The full rehabilitation period after laparoscopic hernioplasty is about 1–1.5 months. During this time, the patient is advised to avoid heavy physical exertion and follow all other doctor’s prescriptions.

To prevent the disease, it is recommended to limit carrying and lifting heavy objects, strengthen the abdominal muscles, maintain normal body weight, eat a balanced diet, normalize regular bowel movements, and treat all diseases in a timely manner.

If hernia symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. The earlier the treatment is carried out, the more effective and easier it can be.

The cost of umbilical hernia treatment depends on the complexity of the surgical operation. Laparoscopic removal is somewhat more expensive, as it requires the use of high-precision equipment and the highest qualifications of the doctor. However, it is the most gentle.

You can find out the cost of operations at Oxford Medical here. Only a doctor can give you a more accurate estimate of the price, taking into account the diagnosis and other individual characteristics. Make an appointment at a time convenient for you.