Umbilical/paraumbilical hernia repair
Surgery for hernia at the belly button
What the Procedure Involves
Benefits
Risks and Complications
Pre-operative and Post-operative Information
Pre-operative Information
Post-operative Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is umbilical/paraumbilical hernia repair painful?expand_more
You may have some pain, bruising, and swelling around the wound afterwards, but this is manageable with pain relief and usually improves over the following days.
Will I need mesh?expand_more
Often, yes. A synthetic mesh is commonly used to reinforce the weakened area and reduce the chance of the hernia coming back, though your surgeon will confirm whether this is appropriate for you.
How soon can I return to work?expand_more
This depends on the extent of your surgery and the nature of your work, but most patients return within 2-4 weeks.
Can the hernia come back after surgery?expand_more
It's possible. Using mesh to reinforce the repair reduces this risk compared with leaving a hernia untreated, though it can't be ruled out completely.
I'm planning a pregnancy - should I wait to have surgery?expand_more
If you're female and thinking about becoming pregnant, it's usually best to wait until after your pregnancy to have this operation. Pregnancy increases the size of your abdomen and may undo the repair, so we'll talk through the timing that's right for you.