What it Takes to Repair an Umbilical Hernia

Hernias occur when an organ pushes through your muscle or tissue — muscle weakness is the typical cause. You risk a hernia when you repeatedly strain weak abdominal muscles from lifting heavy objects or even harsh chronic coughing.

There are different types of hernias. Umbilical hernias occur when the organ pushes through weak muscle or tissue near your belly button. You may see swelling or bulging.

Besides swelling, umbilical hernia symptoms can include a burning sensation, nausea, or general discomfort. You may also have no symptoms, but a routine exam uncovers your umbilical hernia.

Hernias don’t heal on their own, so you want to ensure you’re under appropriate medical care.

Dr. Michael Sutker is our board-certified surgeon in Dallas and McKinney, Texas, and our team provides expert umbilical hernia surgeries.

Here’s what Dr. Sutker wants you to know about what to expect from umbilical hernia repair. 

To repair an umbilical hernia 

Umbilical hernia surgery repairs weak muscles and prevents the hernia from worsening. 

1. Initial Assessment

Dr. Sutker examines you and reviews your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for umbilical hernia surgery. This assessment may include blood work, image scans, electrocardiograms, or other tests to identify other medical conditions that could affect the surgery. 

Once the pre-assessment clears you as a candidate, we explain how the surgery works and answer your questions. 

2. Surgery day

We use general anesthesia, which means you’ll sleep through the surgery. We may also use local anesthesia to numb areas around the surgical site. 

3. Incision

Dr. Sutker uses the da Vinci®  robot-assisted surgery system to repair umbilical hernias. He makes an incision around your navel to access and repair the hernia, then closes the incision. The size of the incision depends on the size of the hernia.

4. Repair your abominable wall

Once Dr. Sutker repositions the organs, he uses mesh, sutures, or other materials to strengthen your abdominal wall, creating a support barrier that prevents the hernia from worsening or recurring. 

5. Postsurgery 

After your umbilical hernia surgery, you rest in a recovery room while we monitor you. Dr. Sutker provides post-operative instructions on caring for your incision site, including follow-up appointments. 

Umbilical hernia repair is a safe and effective procedure that relieves discomfort and prevents complications like intestinal obstruction. Yet, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks, such as infection or adverse reactions to anesthesia. 

Dr. Sutker and our team in Dallas and McKinney, Texas, can assess your medical history and current condition and make suitable recommendations. You can click here to schedule your consultation.