What is this?

The umbilical hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall, that allows the intestine to slip through it into the subcutaneous space of the umbilical region.

Mainly intestinal loops that lie under the skin may be strangulated by the rim of this hole and cause severe complications, such as intestinal obstruction.

Which operation is suited for the repair of an umbilical hernia?

There are two different ways of “open” surgery and no endoscopic alternative:

• “folding” the fascias, that build the abdominal wall in this region, so that the former hole is covered with a double layer of fascias then
• implanting a small piece of coated polypropylene-mesh

Particularly the latter method is very well-suited for those who wish to conduct normal life and do sports (or other physical action) immediately after surgery.

We carry out this method particularly in recurring cases and heavy patients.
It has not been used for children so far.

The operation

Is carried out in superficial full or sometimes in local anaesthesia and is (in our case) a typical out-patient procedure.
The operation takes between 10 and 45 minutes.

The scar

In our patients the scar is normally invisible hidden by the belly button.
Most other surgeons cut around the belly button and leave well visible scars.

How to find the most suitable operation

Fill in the hernia-repair-evaluation-form
We can then recommend the best suited method for your individual case.
The final decision is of course made after examination by a very experienced surgeon, but in most cases the result is the same.

For further information see also the FAQ!