What is laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair?
An umbilical hernia develops because of a defect in the front abdominal wall at the umbilical ring, through which preperitoneal fat, omentum, or bowel loops can protrude.
During laparoscopic surgery, a laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through small punctures.
The surgeon:
- determines the exact location and size of the defect
- reduces the hernia contents
- divides adhesions if necessary
- assesses the condition of the surrounding tissues
- closes the hernia defect when indicated
- places a mesh implant with sufficient overlap of the defect
- secures the implant firmly
The repair technique is chosen depending on the size of the defect, the anatomy of the abdominal wall, and any associated changes.
Our approach
At MSI, every umbilical hernia is assessed individually.
Before surgery, the following are determined:
- the size of the hernia defect
- the location and shape of the hernia
- the nature of the hernia contents
- the condition of the front abdominal wall
- the presence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles
- the presence of other hernias
- previous abdominal operations
For complex, large, or recurrent hernias, *CT of the abdominal wall and abdominal cavity* may be recommended for detailed planning.
Whenever possible, we prefer a minimally invasive approach.
An important part of treatment is not only closing the umbilical defect but also assessing the entire front abdominal wall. When an umbilical hernia is combined with diastasis or other defects, a comprehensive reconstruction may be planned.
When is surgery needed?
Laparoscopic repair may be recommended for:
- a symptomatic umbilical hernia
- an enlarging hernia defect
- pain or discomfort
- an irreducible umbilical hernia
- a recurrent umbilical hernia
- large umbilical defects
- an umbilical hernia combined with diastasis
- an umbilical hernia combined with other defects of the front abdominal wall
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- pain
- hernia enlargement
- limited physical activity
- an irreducible hernia
- repeated episodes of pain
- a risk of incarceration
- recurrence after previous hernia repair
If the hernia becomes incarcerated, surgery is performed urgently.
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
A laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity through small punctures.
After the abdominal cavity is examined, the following are performed:
- identification of the hernia defect
- reduction of the hernia contents
- division of adhesions if necessary
- assessment of the viability of the hernia contents
- preparation of the repair area
- closure of the defect when indicated
- placement of the mesh implant
- fixation of the implant
- verification that the reconstruction is secure
Multiple defects of the front abdominal wall can be repaired during a single operation.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
- Minimally invasive approach
- Small skin incisions
- Less surgical trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Lower risk of wound complications
- Early mobilization
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- The entire front abdominal wall can be assessed
- Associated hernias can be treated in the same operation
Laparoscopic treatment of complex and recurrent umbilical hernias
For recurrence after previous surgery, the strategy is determined taking into account the previous repair technique, the position of the mesh implant, and the condition of the tissues.
The laparoscopic approach may allow the reconstruction to be performed in a different surgical plane and the abdominal wall to be assessed from the inside.
Large defects or marked diastasis may require a more complex reconstruction of the front abdominal wall.
Umbilical hernia and diastasis
An umbilical hernia is often combined with diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles.
In such cases, simply closing the hernia defect may not be enough to fully restore the front abdominal wall.
When indicated, the following may be performed in a single operation:
- closure of the umbilical defect
- correction of the diastasis
- reconstruction of the midline
- reinforcement of the front abdominal wall with a mesh implant
Recovery after surgery
After minimally invasive repair, the patient can be mobilized in the early postoperative period.
Postoperative care includes:
- early walking
- pain control
- a gradual return to eating
- wound care
- a gradual return to physical activity
The length of recovery depends on the size of the hernia, the repair technique, and the patient's individual characteristics.
Patient care follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)*.
Our advantages
- Experience in minimally invasive treatment of abdominal wall hernias
- Individual planning of the operation
- Laparoscopic treatment of umbilical hernias
- Treatment of complex and recurrent hernias
- Assessment of the entire front abdominal wall
- Associated diastasis and other hernias can be corrected in the same operation
- Use of modern mesh implants
- Individual choice of repair technique
- Modern enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. The choice between suture repair and a mesh implant depends on the size of the defect, the condition of the tissues, and other factors. For larger defects, mesh reinforcement reduces the risk of recurrence.
Yes. Laparoscopic repair is one of the methods for treating umbilical hernias. The choice of approach depends on the size and anatomy of the defect, other medical conditions, and previous operations.
Yes. When an umbilical hernia is combined with diastasis, a comprehensive reconstruction of the front abdominal wall may be performed.
Yes. If it is technically and medically appropriate, several hernia defects can be repaired during a single operation.
Yes. Incarceration can cut off the blood supply to the hernia contents and cause bowel obstruction.
Sudden pain, enlargement and irreducibility of the hernia, nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool may indicate incarceration. In this situation, *an urgent assessment by a surgeon* is needed.
The return to physical activity is gradual and depends on the size of the defect, the surgical technique, and the pace of recovery. Specific timeframes are determined individually.