Hernia Repair (Paraumbilical and Umbilical)
Paraumbilical and umbilical hernias, also known as 'belly button hernia' are common. A para-umbilical hernia will not heal by itself and the only way to get rid of it is by surgery. Paraumbilical and umbilical hernia repair surgery will reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of paraumbilical and umbilical hernia complications.
Ramsay Health Care UK have strict protocols in place in all of our hospitals to keep you safe when visiting.
What is Hernia Repair (Paraumbilical and Umbilical)?
A paraumbilical and umbilical hernia repair is usually keyhole surgery to repair a hernia that has appeared at or around your belly button. Hernia repair surgery will reduce hernia symptoms such as discomfort or a bulge and also reduce your risk of hernia complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.
A paraumbilical hernia is found in adults and an umbilical hernia often develops in children.
A hernia repair (paraumbilical and umbilical) is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. Your surgeon makes a cut near your belly button. They place the bulging contents back inside your abdomen and remove the hernial sac. The weak spot is then closed using strong stitches or a synthetic mesh and the wound closed using dissolvable stitches or surgical glue.
What causes a Paraumbilical Hernia?
It occurs when the contents of your abdomen push through the naturally weak part of your abdomen wall at or immediately adjacent to your umbilicus (belly button). The contents of your abdomen bulge through and create a lump, called a hernia. Paraumbilical and umbilical hernias are caused by the way babies develop in the womb.
Where is a Paraumbilical Hernia located?
It is located in or directly around your belly button.
Which surgery is best for Umbilical Hernia?
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is a safe and effective surgery for an umbilical hernia in adults.
It is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes 20 to 30 minutes. The surgeon makes a small cut at the base of your belly button and pushes the bulging lump or loop of bowel back into your stomach.
The weak spot in the abdominal wall where the hernia came through is stitched together to strengthen it. If the umbilical hernia is large a special mesh patch may be placed in the weak spot of the abdominal wall for extra strength. The skin wound is then closed with dissolvable stitches or surgical glue.
An umbilical hernia can be performed as open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss if this is the best option for you. Most often this surgery is performed using keyhole surgery.
What is the recovery process after Hernia Repair procedure?
Your recovery should be fairly quick after your hernia repair surgery if it is performed using keyhole or minimally invasive surgery. You will have a longer recovery if it is performed using open surgery. You can expect to be able to go home the same day after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery.
You will need to rest for one to two weeks to allow your wound to heal. After that you should be able to do light activities, return to work unless you have a manual labour job, and children can return to school. You should not take part in sports for a further two weeks and you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for the first four to six weeks.
What is the cost of a Hernia Repair?
The cost of a hernia repair will depend on the exact type of hernia repair surgery you require and your Ramsay hospital of choice.
These are guide package prices that estimate the costs of your procedure.
You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your hernia repair surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Hernia repair surgery is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.
We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your hernia repair surgery yourself. These include:
- Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
- All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
- Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.
Hernia Repair at Ramsay Health Care UK
Ramsay Health Care UK routinely perform paraumbilical and umbilical hernia repair surgery to relieve hernia symptoms and prevent hernia complications.
We have highly experienced surgeons who will advise on and discuss with you recommended treatment for your paraumbilical or your child’s umbilical hernia. They use the latest technologies and are experts in their speciality.
