Umbilical Hernia Repair
DefinitionUmbilical hernia repair is surgery to correct an umbilical hernia, a sac of abdominal tissue that protrudes through the umbilicus (belly button).
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Overview & Description
A hernia is caused when the muscles of the abdomen develop a weak spot, or defect, though which abdominal contents can bulge out, or herniate. The contents of the hernia are contained within a lining called the hernia sac. The umbilicus, or belly button, is a natural weakness in the abdominal wall where hernias commonly occur. Symptoms include discomfort and a noticable bulge, which gets bigger when standing or coughing and often disappears when lying down.
General anesthesia is often used for hernia repair, but small hernias may be repaired with local anesthesia. An incision is made under the umbilicus. The hernia sac is identified and separated from the surrounding tissues and pushed back inside the abdominal cavity. If the hernia defect is very small, it may be closed with strong non-absorbable sutures. If the hernia defect is larger, it should be closed with a piece of synthetic mesh.
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