Treatment

An umbilical hernia should be repaired to avoid incarceration and strangulation. Surgical indications and contraindications are detailed in the submenu.

If there is significant ascites, this should first be controlled medically or by peritoneovenous shunt since it is associated with high morbidity and recurrence.

Within the submenu, the operation is divided into:

• preoperative preparation
• incision
• management of sac
• repair of defect
• postoperative care

Notes:

• this section only briefly outlines the procedure for conventional repair of an umbilical hernia. It does not describe the use of mesh or laparoscopic repair. However, of note, is a study that concluded that laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh presents a reasonable alternative to conventional methods of repair (1)

Reference:

1. Wright BE et al. Is laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair with mesh a reasonable alternative to conventional repair?1: Am J Surg. 2002 Dec;184(6):505-8; discussion 508-9.