Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

Umbilical hernia surgery is the surgical repair of an opening in the abdominal wall. This operation prevents the intestines from protruding outside the abdomen and helps prevent complications. It is performed under general or local anesthesia, and success rates are high with modern techniques.

Umbilical hernia surgical techniques can be performed using an open or laparoscopic approach. In open surgery, the hernia area is repaired directly, whereas in the laparoscopic technique the procedure is performed through small incisions with the help of a camera. The laparoscopic method provides faster recovery and less pain.

The recovery process after umbilical hernia surgery depends on the patient’s age, general health status, and the surgical technique used. In most cases, returning to normal activities within a few weeks is possible. Following the doctor’s recommendations reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery.

If an umbilical hernia is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as bowel obstruction or a strangulated hernia. Therefore, early diagnosis and surgical treatment are of great importance. Surgery both improves quality of life and eliminates potential health risks.

You can contact Prof. Dr. Ebru Soy, one of the doctors performing Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Ankara, to get information about Umbilical Hernia Surgery prices, the process, and the hospital where Umbilical Hernia Surgery is performed.

What Is Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

We can think of umbilical hernia surgery as repairing a tear in the abdominal wall. The abdominal wall is like a protective shield made of muscle and strong connective tissue that holds our internal organs together. The navel, where the umbilical cord falls off after birth, is naturally one of the weakest points of this shield. Sometimes the ring in this area does not close, or it weakens later in life. In situations that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing or straining, intra-abdominal fatty tissue or organs like the intestines can bulge outward through this weak point within a sac. We call this condition an umbilical hernia.

The aim of the surgery is extremely simple. The hernia sac and its contents that have protruded are gently placed back into the abdomen, and then the weak area in the abdominal wall, that is, the tear, is closed securely. This repair is done to prevent the hernia from coming out again from the same place. In adults, we usually use a synthetic mesh to make this repair stronger. This is similar to patching a tear in fabric with a sturdy piece. In children, the situation is different; it is usually sufficient to close it with stitches alone. In short, this surgery is a restorative intervention that re-establishes the integrity of the abdominal wall.

In Which Situations Is Umbilical Hernia Surgery Performed?

When deciding on umbilical hernia surgery, the patient’s age is the most important determinant. The approaches for children and adults are completely different because the nature and course of the hernia also differ.

Decision for Surgery in Children

Umbilical hernias seen in infants and young children are congenital. The good news is that more than 90% of these hernias close spontaneously by the age of 4–5 as the child grows and the abdominal muscles strengthen, without any intervention. Therefore, we usually prefer to wait patiently. However, in some cases surgery becomes unavoidable. These situations are as follows:

• The hernia does not close despite the child reaching 4–5 years of age
• The diameter of the hernia opening is greater than 1.5–2 centimeters
• Signs of hernia strangulation appear
• Severe pain
• Redness or bruising over the hernia
• Vomiting and restlessness
• The hernia is very large and causes aesthetic concern for the child or the family

Decision for Surgery in Adults

In contrast, umbilical hernias that develop in adults do not heal on their own over time. In fact, they usually enlarge and carry a risk of complications. Therefore, when we detect an umbilical hernia in an adult, our general approach is to repair it with a planned surgery. We perform the surgery not only to relieve complaints such as pain, but also to prevent an urgent and risky situation such as hernia strangulation. In adults, there are some common causes that predispose to umbilical hernia and increase intra-abdominal pressure:

• Excess weight (obesity)
• Multiple pregnancies
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen due to liver disease (ascites)
• Chronic and severe cough
• Persistent constipation and straining
• Occupations requiring heavy lifting

Very rarely, if the patient has no complaints and the hernia is very small, it may be possible to wait for a while after discussing the risks. However, this is an exceptional situation. The general rule is that adult umbilical hernia should be treated surgically.

What Are the Risks of Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

Umbilical hernia surgery is a frequently performed procedure in general surgery and is considered quite safe. Success rates are very high. Still, like any surgical intervention, this operation has potential risks. Knowing them helps you prepare for the process more consciously. We can group the risks under two headings.

The first is general surgical risks that are not specific to this operation alone.

• Undesired reactions related to anesthesia
• Infection at the wound site
• Bleeding at the surgical area (hematoma)
• Accumulation of body fluid at the wound site (seroma)
• Postoperative lung problems

The second consists of rarer risks that are directly specific to umbilical hernia surgery.

• Recurrence of the hernia at the same site
• Long-lasting pain in the surgical area
• Rare mesh-related problems in cases where mesh is used
• Mesh infection
• Mesh displacement

Most of these risks are quite rare and are minimized with preoperative measures (such as quitting smoking and weight control) and the right surgical technique. Following your doctor’s advice after surgery also plays a key role in preventing many of these risks.

How Is Umbilical Hernia Surgery Performed?

Today, there are different and effective methods to perform umbilical hernia surgery. Which method is chosen depends on the size of the hernia, the patient’s general health status, and the surgeon’s experience. Basically, there are two main surgical approaches: open and closed (laparoscopic) surgery.

Open Surgery

This is the most classic and most commonly used method. It is the standard approach especially in children and in first-time hernia surgeries in adults. The operation usually begins with a small incision made just below the navel or within the natural skin fold. Thanks to this incision, the scar is often not noticeable. Through this incision, the surgeon finds the hernia sac, places the tissues inside back into the abdomen, and then repairs the tear in the abdominal wall.

At this repair stage, two different techniques may be used. The first is suture repair. In this technique, the edges of the tear are stitched together with strong sutures. This method is preferred in all children and in adults only for very small hernias (less than 1 cm). In adults, suture repair for larger hernias can increase the risk of recurrence because it may create tension.

The second technique, which is the gold standard for adults, is mesh repair. In this method, the torn area is reinforced with a synthetic, body-compatible material called a “mesh.” This mesh is placed without tension and over time integrates with the body’s own tissue to create a much stronger repair surface. This “tension-free repair” technique reduces the risk of recurrence to very low rates such as 1–2%. After the repair is completed, necessary adjustments are made to preserve the natural and aesthetic appearance of the navel, and the skin is usually closed with cosmetic sutures.

Closed (Minimally Invasive) Surgery

Also known as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, this method involves making a few small (0.5–1 cm) openings in the abdominal wall instead of a large incision. Through one of these openings, a thin tube with a high-resolution camera at its tip (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a comfortable working space for the surgeon. The surgeon repairs the hernia from the inside, watching on a screen, using special instruments inserted through the other openings. The hernia opening is covered with a large mesh placed from the inside onto the abdominal wall. In this method, the surface of the mesh that may contact the intestines is coated with a special barrier to prevent adhesions.

The closed method has some important advantages over open surgery:

• Less postoperative pain
• Smaller and more aesthetic scars
• Lower risk of wound infection, especially in overweight patients
• Faster return to daily life and work

Robotic surgery is a more technologically advanced form of laparoscopic surgery. Thanks to robotic arms that mimic the surgeon’s hand movements more precisely, it offers the possibility of a more delicate repair, especially in complex and large hernias. The most suitable method for you is decided together after a detailed examination.

The Process After Umbilical Hernia Surgery

As important as the surgery itself is the postoperative recovery process. This period is usually quite comfortable, but paying attention to certain points speeds up healing and helps prevent possible problems.

Most umbilical hernia surgeries are performed as day surgery, meaning you can go home the same day. After the operation, you are observed for a few hours, and once you recover and can eat and drink something, you are discharged. It is normal to have mild pain and tenderness in the surgical area during the first few days. This can easily be controlled with simple painkillers recommended by your doctor. Generally, no special diet is required, but it is important to consume plenty of fluids and fiber-rich foods to avoid constipation.

What to Pay Attention to During the Recovery Period

To ensure the recovery process goes smoothly, it is necessary to follow some rules.

• Avoid Heavy Lifting: This is the most important rule. For at least 4–6 weeks after surgery, you should strictly avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 kilograms.
• Avoid Strenuous Movements: Sports and activities that strain the abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups and weightlifting, should also be avoided for 4–6 weeks.
• Wound Care: Your surgical wound will be covered with a waterproof dressing. You can usually shower after 1–2 days. Make sure to keep the wound area clean and dry.
• Return to Work: If you work a desk job, you can return to work within 1–2 weeks. If your job requires physical strength, this period may be 4–6 weeks.
• Driving: You can usually start driving a few days later when you feel comfortable and have no pain.

What Those Who Have Umbilical Hernia Surgery Should Pay Attention To

Umbilical hernia surgery repairs the weak point in your abdominal wall, but keeping this repair strong for a lifetime is also somewhat up to you. Some simple but effective points to pay attention to—both while preparing for surgery and in your life after surgery—significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

Preoperative Preparation

The better your condition when you go into surgery, the more successful the outcome will be. There are some important points to pay attention to before surgery:

• Quit smoking (the most critical step for wound healing)
• Try to reach an ideal weight under medical supervision
• Keep chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension under control
• Inform your doctor about all medications you use, especially blood thinners

Long-term Lifestyle After Surgery

After the surgery and recovery process are completed, adopting certain lifestyle habits is very beneficial to ensure the durability of the repair.

• Maintain a healthy and ideal weight
• Prevent constipation by consuming fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water
• Use proper techniques when lifting something heavy by bending your knees and keeping the load close to your body
• Seek treatment if you have chronic cough due to conditions such as asthma or COPD
• After recovery is complete, do regular exercises that strengthen the abdominal and core region

Remember that surgical repair is only one part of this. The rest depends on the investments you make in your health. These simple measures not only prevent your hernia from recurring but also contribute greatly to your overall health.