Colon Surgery
Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair
What Is The Umbilical Cord?
The umbilical cord is a structure of tissue connecting babies to their mothers that allows the mother’s body. The cord provides nutrients and oxygen to babies while still in the womb. When the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut and the baby can begin to breathe and feed on its own.
What Is An Umbilical Hernia?
Normally, the umbilical cord dries up, the belly opening closes and the cord falls off to reveal the baby’s belly button. But in some cases, the muscles around the hole are weak and don’t close properly. Tissue begins to herniate and bulge at the belly button. Some umbilical hernias will close up on their own with some time. However, hernias that do not close up by the time an infant enters the toddler phase may need umbilical hernia repair surgery. Doctors may recommend a laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair for hernias that do not close and are larger than 4 cm. Genetics, premature birth, and low birth weight may increase a baby’s chances of developing an umbilical hernia. Obesity and weak abdominal muscles later on in life can exacerbate umbilical hernias as well.
What Is a Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery?
Umbilical hernia repair surgery is performed on both infants and adults who suffer from umbilical hernias. Some doctors choose open surgery, which requires some cutting of the belly button and abdomen to get to the hernia. Dr. Lemus-Rangel also offers a second, less invasive option: Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair surgery. This involves making small incisions in the skin above and below the belly button. The abdomen is then filled with carbon dioxide to give the surgeon visibility inside the abdomen. The surgeon then moves fat and other tissues to create room for the laparoscopy (a surgical camera). Next, the laparoscopy and other surgical tools are inserted into the abdomen to identiy and reduce the hernia (often in umbilical hernias, the hernia has a sac formed around it). Finally, the surgeon will tighten up the hole in the abdominal wall to prevent future herniation.
Why Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that is safer for patients. For younger patients this means a reduced probability for bleeding during recovery time and overall a quicker recovery.