Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

Inguinal hernia vs umbilical hernia 

A hernia is a condition in which an internal organ protrudes or prolapses from its normal anatomical position, through a congenital or acquired opening. Most hernias are abdominal hernias. The abdominal wall consists of superimposed muscles and the connective tissue sheets (fascia) that cover them. The weakness and stretching of these muscles, combined with the increased pressure within the abdomen, contributes to the protrusion of the abdominal organs (small or large intestine, cecum) through the hernia gate. 

Types of hernias 

The types of horns are grouped as follows: 

• inguinal hernia 
• thigh hernia 
• umbilical hernia 
• gastric hernia 

The vast majority of abdominal hernias are inguinal hernias, while hernias affecting other areas include umbilical hernias, hernias around the navel, hernias resulting from previous surgery, and hernias of the groin and pelvic area. It can also be partly genetic, being more common in some families, but it can also be predisposed to certain conditions, such as obesity, smoking and pregnancy. Abdominal hernias are usually detected by physical examination, but abdominal CT and MRI scans can also detect the presence of hernias. 

How does laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery work? 

Surgery can be the definitive solution for hernias, and the most ideal choice is determined by the size of the hernia combined with individual factors such as the size of the tissue and the abdominal circumference. 

There are alternatives to open hernia surgery, such as laparoscopic surgery. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera at the end, which allows the abdominal cavity surgery to be followed by an image through an optical device inside the body. 

A series of small incisions (1-1.5 cm / 0.3-0.5 inches) are made through which the laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted to perform each step of the operation. The surgery is made easier by inflating the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas, which helps to facilitate access and ensure a successful operation. 

After laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery 

As there is no abdominal wall separation during laparoscopic hernia surgery: 

• less postoperative pain,  
• less abdominal wall infection,  
• shorter hospital stay, 
• the abdominal wall strengthens sooner, and  
• a slightly lower recurrence rate.