What Is an Umbilical Hernia Repair?

Umbilical hernia is more common in middle-aged and elderly women. Because the umbilical ring is not easy to expand, the probability of incarceration is relatively high, so surgery should be performed after a clear diagnosis. Umbilical hernia repair includes tissue repair and material repair. Material repair can be performed under open or laparoscopic. Tissue repair is suitable for patients with smaller defects. The main method used is Mayo folding repair, which is completed under open. Open umbilical hernia repair patches using materials are placed in three locations: Onlay (above the tendon defect), Sublay (before the peritoneum below the tendon defect), and IPOM (intraperitoneal). The main reason is that the separation of the preperitoneal space is relatively easy, the placement of the patch is easier, the infection is less likely to occur than the Onlay technique, the fixation is easier and the patch is cheaper than the IPOM technique. The operation of laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is similar to that of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Because most of the umbilical hernias are not large and there is no adhesion in the abdominal cavity, the operation is very simple and convenient. The disadvantage is that anti-adhesion materials and fixing devices are needed, and the cost is much higher than Open surgery. Material repair is generally not suitable for minors. Early umbilical hernia repair may remove the umbilical foramen. The current umbilical hernia repair can mostly preserve the umbilical foramen. For patients with large umbilical hernia, repair can be considered while umbilical angioplasty.