Are you currently suffering from an umbilical hernia — a small bulge or pouch poking through your abdomen? An umbilical hernia can cause aesthetic self-consciousness, but it can also lead to a serious condition called strangulation. If you fear or suspect you have an umbilical hernia, contact Dr. Repta to discuss your treatment options.
What is umbilical hernia repair?
An umbilical hernia is a condition wherein a section of your intestine or abdominal cavity tissue pushes against your abdominal wall, creating a small bulge or pouch in the abdomen around the belly button. An umbilical hernia can occur in children and adults, but adults are more likely to suffer from strangulation due to the hernia.
Strangulation occurs when there’s no blood flow in the herniated abdominal cavity tissue, leading to nausea, pain, and vomiting. The region around the umbilical hernia may also become bluish, similar to a bruise.
Umbilical hernia in adults occurs because of excess fluids in the abdominal cavity or previous abdominal surgery. It’s also common amongst men and women who are overweight, or after pregnancy in women. Once you have an umbilical hernia, it’s likely to continue growing in size, necessitating umbilical hernia repair.
Our Scottsdale umbilical hernia repair is a surgical procedure that treats umbilical hernia. You should consider this procedure if your umbilical hernia causes self-consciousness, pain, discomfort, or if it’s larger than half an inch. Furthermore, you should seek umbilical hernia repair immediately if you have any of the signs or symptoms of strangulation.
What are the possible risks and complications of umbilical hernia repair?
Umbilical hernia repair is a safe procedure with a negligible risk of complications. However, the risk of complications increases if you have other underlying medical conditions. Dr. Repta will discuss your medical history and current medications to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Some of the possible risks associated with umbilical hernia repair include:
- Adverse reactions to the anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Infections
- Intra-abdominal or intestinal injuries
How do I prepare for umbilical hernia repair?
During your consultation for umbilical hernia surgery in Scottsdale, Dr. Repta will discuss your medical history and medications to provide a detailed list of preparatory guidelines. Follow these carefully.
Don’t take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for a few days before the procedure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. You should also fast for at least 6 hours before the treatment.
What can I expect during the umbilical hernia repair?
There are two possible treatment options for umbilical hernia — open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair. During your consultation, Dr. Repta will discuss both treatment options and recommend the ideal treatment plan for your specific needs.
- Open Hernia Repair Dr. Repta places an incision near the belly button to access the herniated tissue and gently pushes it back through the hole in the abdominal wall. They may use a synthetic mesh material to strengthen the abdomen, and then sew the hole shut.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Dr. Repta places multiple small incisions around the hernia bulge to access the bulging intestine or tissue via a long and thin tube with a lighted camera (laparoscope). Next, he carefully places the bulging tissue back through the abdominal wall, strengthens it with synthetic mesh, and sutures the hole closed.
Why choose Dr. Repta for umbilical hernia repair?
Dr. Repta is a board-certified plastic surgeon and member of The American and International Society of Plastic Surgeons. He tailors each treatment according to his patient’s individual goals and needs, ensuring optimal treatment results. If you have an umbilical hernia, contact Dr. Repta to discuss your treatment options for hernia surgery in Scottsdale today.
