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Post Operative Procedures for Umbilical Hernia Surgery

An umbilical hernia is a rare and usually harmless condition in which a baby's navel sticks out more than normal. This is caused by the intestines pushing through the infant's weak abdominal wall. The hernia usually resolves itself by age 1, but occasionally persists beyond infancy. If this is the case, or if the hernia causes pain or discomfort, surgery may be recommended. After the surgery, parents and caregivers should monitor the child and follow simple post-operative procedures.

  1. Symptoms/Dangers

    • Umbilical hernias are usually asymptomatic but occasionally can cause complications. Very rarely, the hernia becomes stuck outside the abdominal cavity. This cuts off some blood supply to the intestines, which can cause tissue damage and abdominal pain. If this is the case, immediate surgery is required. If your infant is vomiting or appears to be in extreme discomfort, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Also monitor the infant's bulge at the bellybutton; if it appears enlarged or discolored, see a doctor immediately.

    Surgery

    • Removing an umbilical hernia is a simple procedure. A small incision is made and the herniated tissue is pushed down and returned to the abdomen. The tissue does not need to be connected or attached to any surrounding structures; the procedure is simply to restore the protruding tissue to its correct location in the abdominal cavity. The incision is then sealed up using stitches.

    Post-Surgery Care

    • Recovery from the surgery is speedy and simple. The stitches do not need to be removed later, as the physician would likely use semi-permanent stitches that are absorbed by the surrounding tissue. Risk of infection is minimal, as the incision is small and very little blood is released. The physician may keep the child at the hospital for a few hours to ensure no complications arise. After a few hours the child can be taken home and return to normal activities. The infant may experience slight abdominal discomfort for a few days following surgery. No special diet or activity is necessary. If the child continues to express severe discomfort or if the herniated bulge returns to the navel area, contact your physician immediately.

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