What is laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery?
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to repair hernias that occur near the belly button (umbilicus). During this procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) is inserted to allow the surgeon to visualize the hernia and surrounding tissues. Specialized instruments are then used to repair the hernia by placing a mesh patch over the weakened area of the abdominal wall.
Why would I need to have laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery?
You might need laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery if you have been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia that is causing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a visible bulge near the belly button. Umbilical hernias occur when tissue, such as part of the intestine or abdominal fat, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus. This weakness can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life due to factors such as obesity, pregnancy, or previous abdominal surgery.
What are the risks of laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery?
While laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery is generally considered safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks.
- Bleeding or infection at the surgical site.
- Nerves near the umbilicus may be damaged during the procedure, leading to numbness, tingling, or chronic pain.
- The use of mesh to repair the hernia may occasionally lead to complications such as mesh migration, mesh shrinkage, or mesh infection.
It's essential to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
How should I prepare for laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery?
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery. These instructions may include:
- You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the surgery.
- You will likely need to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a specified period before the surgery, typically starting at midnight the night before the procedure.
- Your surgeon may request pre-operative tests or evaluations, such as blood tests or imaging studies, to assess your overall health and identify any potential risk factors.
Following your surgeon's instructions carefully can help ensure a smooth and successful surgical experience.
During laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery, you will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Several small incisions will be made in the abdomen to allow access for the laparoscope and surgical instruments. A mesh patch will be placed over the weakened area of the abdominal wall to reinforce and repair the hernia.
What happens after laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery?
After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until you are fully awake and stable. Most patients can go home the same day as the surgery.
The results of laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery are typically excellent, with a low risk of recurrence and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open hernia repair. Many patients experience relief from symptoms such as pain and discomfort and can return to normal activities within a few days to weeks following the procedure.