UMBILICAL-HERNIA

WHAT IS UMBILICAL HERNIA?

It is the bulging out of contents of the abdominal cavity through a small opening in the abdominal wall in the umbilicus.

WHAT CAUSES UMBILICAL HERNIA?

An umbilical hernia occurs when the opening in the abdominal muscles that allow the umbilical cord to pass through fails to close completely.

PRECIPITATING FACTORS

DIAGNOSIS

It is a clinical diagnosis.
Ultrasound of the abdomen can be done to assess the size of the defect and contents of the hernial sac.

COMPLICATIONS

SURGERY - Surgery can be done in both ways – open and laparoscopically.

OPEN SURGERY	LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
Hernia is fixed on the outside by opening the muscles over the weakness.	Hernia is fixed from the inside.
A 4 cm – 5 cm incision is taken below the umbilicus.	Only 2 small punctures.
Hospitalization is about 3 - 4 days.	Hospitalization for 2-3 days.
A small drain is kept.
Recovery time is usually 1 – 2 weeks.	Recovery within 7- 10 days.
Most cost effective.	Higher cost due to additional laparoscopic equipment and higher cost of the mesh.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS