Many years ago, I wrote a post about having an umbilical hernia during pregnancy and the ways I treated it for many years without having to undergo surgery. You can find that post here. I had mentioned that I was going to eventually need a hernia repair so this is my updated post regarding that issue.
First, if you have 7-8 extra minutes, I would like you to watch this fantastic video I came across recently explaining this topic!!
As you can see from the video above, having any type of hernia is a complicated issue and always involves surgery to repair the hernia.
A hernia cannot be fixed on its own, but it can be managed until you have surgery.
However, if you have an umbilical hernia repair there are some things you need to know. Depending on the urgent need, you may have a laparoscopic repair or an open repair.
A laparoscopic approach uses tools that minimize the need for a long open incision which reduces the risk of infection and increases recovery time. In an open procedure, the surgeon makes one large incision, and everything within the abdominal cavity is exposed.
Since I had a laparoscopic hernia repair, I will go ahead and explain the details of what this procedure involves. And since my hernia repair was not planned ahead of time and I ended up in the Emergency Room AGAIN, I will explain to you the details of my experience.
First of all, I would like to say that the overall surgery went well.
First and foremost, you will want to plan for this surgery. If you do not, you may end up in the emergency room in pain, with little to no time to make extra decisions for yourself such as deciding on the particular surgeon you want performing the procedure. My surgeon was excellent, so I'm thankful and blessed he was working that night.
Of course, the first option before surgery is to always try to reduce any bowel or fatty tissue back down through the hernia site. If the emergency room doctor is unable to do this effectively, they will call in the surgeon who will then want to operate on you. You will have labs drawn and a CT scan performed to verify that you have an incarcerated hernia. They will explain the surgery very quickly and you won't care because you will be in pain and want it to be over with fast.
The nurse will administer a pain medication through your IV.
You will then speak to the anesthesiologist who will tell you "You won't remember a thing".
You will be put into a gown and the nurse will want to clean you with Chlorhexidine wipes. These wipes are used to cleanse you before the surgery to reduce your risk of infection. An employee from the transportation department will then transport you down the hallway to the operating room where you will be administered a medication by anesthesia that puts you into a deep sleep. You will be stripped naked, your eyes will be taped shut, your arms and legs will be secured and a sterile drape will be placed over your body. Then the surgeon and his team will begin surgery.
The surgeon will start with three small incisions in your abdomen about an inch wide. A camera and a tool will be placed within those incisions as the surgeon pushes the tissue back through the abdominal muscles. Depending on the size of the hernia, you may have a mesh implant placed which strengthens the abdominal wall and helps prevent future hernias from occurring. According to The Lancet, a study was performed that resulted in a better outcome and lower reoccurrence in those who had the mesh placed. The hernia site will then be sutured or glued back together.
Soon you will wake up and it will feel as if you just closed your eyes. You won't remember much and you will be extremely sore when trying to move.
So what are the Benefits of a laparoscopic vs open surgery?
✅ Minimally Invasive – Uses small incisions, reducing trauma to the body compared to open surgery.
✅ Faster Recovery – Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week.
✅ Less Pain – Smaller incisions typically result in less postoperative pain.
✅ Lower Infection Risk – Smaller wounds decrease the likelihood of infection.
✅ Smaller Scars – The incisions leave minimal scarring compared to open surgery.
✅ Better for Recurrent Hernias – Offers better visualization and repair for complex or recurrent hernias.
With all of the above considered, the cons would be
Higher Cost – Can be more expensive than open surgery due to specialized equipment and expertise required.
General Anesthesia Required – Some patients may have risks associated with anesthesia.
Possible Mesh Complications – If mesh is used, there is a small risk of infection or rejection.
Not Always Suitable – May not be recommended for very large or complicated hernias.
Risk of Organ Injury – Though rare, nearby organs or blood vessels can be injured during the procedure.
Recurrence Risk – While rare, there is still a chance the hernia may return.
Umbilical hernia repair offers significant benefits, providing relief from discomfort, preventing potential complications, and improving overall quality of life. Whether performed through open or laparoscopic surgery, the procedure strengthens the abdominal wall, reduces the risk of hernia recurrence, and allows for a quicker return to daily activities. With modern advancements in surgical techniques, patients can experience minimal scarring, less pain, and faster recovery times. If an umbilical hernia is affecting your well-being, consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the best approach for a safe and effective repair.
If you are concerned about an umbilical hernia or would like more information regarding this topic, check out Umbilical hernias during Pregnancy.
Disclaimer: I am just a mom sharing my experiences. I am in no way, shape or form a physician or acting as such. If you have any medical issues or concerns please refer to your physician or midwife.
Thanks so much for reading and hope this post encourages you and helps you to understand more about umbilical hernia repairs.
