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Paraumbilical, feroral and umbilical Hernia repair

This webpage will give you information about a paraumbilical and umbilical hernia repair. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What are paraumbilical and umbilical hernias?

There is a natural weakness in the abdominal wall behind the umbilicus, caused by the way babies develop in the womb. If the contents of the abdomen push through, this produces a lump called a hernia (see figure 1).

A femoral hernia happens at the hole in the wall of the abdomen where the femoral artery and vein pass from the abdomen into the leg.

Hernia - bowel pushing through a weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen

Figure 1 - Hernia - bowel pushing through a weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen.

A hernia can be dangerous because the intestines or other structures within the abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent you from having any serious complications.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

In children under the age of about four, umbilical hernias tend to close on their own. For older children and adults, the hernia will not go away without an operation.

What does the operation involve?

Surgery to repair paraumbilical and umbilical hernias is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a cut around your umbilicus and remove the hernial sac. Your surgeon will close the weak spot with strong stitches or a synthetic mesh.

What complications can happen?

1 General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots

2 Specific complications of this operation

Developing a lump under the wound
Injury to structures within the abdomen
Removing the umbilicus

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. You should increase how much you walk around over the first few days after your operation. You should be able to return to work after three to four weeks but this may vary depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work. Occasionally the hernia comes back.

Summary

A hernia near the umbilicus is a common condition caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. If left untreated, a hernia near the umbilicus can occasionally cause serious complications.