Without surgery, there is a risk that some fat or part of the intestine will get stuck (incarcerated) in the hernia and become impossible to push back in. This is usually painful. If the blood supply to this area is cut off (strangulation), urgent surgery is needed. You may experience nausea or vomiting, and the bulging area may turn blue or a darker color.

To avoid this problem, surgeons often recommend repairing the umbilical hernia in adults. Surgery is also used for hernias that are getting larger or are painful. Surgery secures the weakened abdominal wall tissue (fascia) and closes any holes.

Get medical care right away if you have a hernia that does not get smaller when you are lying down or that you cannot push back in.

Your surgeon or anesthesia doctor will see you and give you instructions for you or your child.

An anesthesiologist will discuss your (or your child’s) medical history to determine the right amount and type of anesthesia to use. You or your child may be asked to stop eating and drinking 6 hours before surgery. Make sure you tell your doctor or nurse about any medications, allergies, or history of bleeding problems.

Several days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking:

• Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, or Aleve
• Other blood thinning medications
• Certain vitamins and supplements

Most umbilical hernia repairs are done on an outpatient basis, which means that you will likely go home on the same day. Some repairs may require a short hospital stay if the hernia is very large.

After surgery, your doctor and nurse will monitor your vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, and breathing). You will stay in the recovery area until you are stable. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine if you need it.

Your doctor or nurse will show you how to care for your or your child’s incision at home. You or your child should be able to do all of your normal activities in 2 - 4 weeks.

There is always a chance that the hernia can come back. However, for healthy patients, the risk of it coming back is very low.

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Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)