How do you fix an umbilical hernia?

Surgery?: The only way to "fix" an umbilical hernia, like all hernias, is through surgery. However, the question is whether it needs to be fixed or is just cosmetic. Hernias can cause problems when a part of the bowel gets caught in it and can get "strangled" or have the blood supply compromised, whether this is likely to happen depends on lots of factors. See your doctor to discuss your hernia to decide.

Surgery: Umbilical hernias may be easily repaired under general anesthesia as an out-patient. Depending on the size of the hernia and other patient-factors, we often advise using mesh to close the hole (like patching a tire). I advise hernia repair if it is causing symptoms that are interfering with one's quality of life, or if the hole is so large that there is the potential for intestine to get stuck.

A small operation: Under anesthesia a small incision is made over the hernia and the defect is closed. Children go home in a few hours and can return to full activity in a few weeks generally.

Close with stitches: In children, an incision is made under the navel, and the opening is closed with some stitches.

Close fascial defect: Umbilical hernia repair is done with the child under anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The defect in the abdominal fascia is closed with suture, and the overlying skin is tacked down to create an "inny" appearance.

Carefully!: The repair is a 30 minute procedure done through an ambulatory surgical setting. Patients go home the same day. A small incision is made at the umbilical base and the underlying defect in the muscle fascia is sutured together.

Surgical closure: Umbilical hernia is fixed through a small incision usually just below the umbilicus. The defect in the muscular layer is closed with sutures.

Yes: It is likely an umbilical hernia or epigastric hernia. Both can be easily repaired especially if they cause pain or discomfort. surgery is short usually less than 30 minutes. small incision is made under the navel. the muscle defect is closed, then the skin. normal activity level can be resumed based on comfort.

It depends on age: In newborn period we do not recommend surgery as most of these hernias correct by themselves as the child gets older, and if it does not correct when child reaches 8 years age than it can be done as elective surgery to correctit and same in adults only time if it strangulate which is very very rare you need to do the surgery as emergency.

Primary closure: If an umbilical hernia is still present after age 3, it probably should be repaired surgically. In children, closing the hernia with a small incision under the navel, and then some stitches to close the abdominal wall is all that is needed.