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WHAT ARE UMBILICAL AND VENTRAL HERNIAS?
Umbilical and ventral hernias happen in the front of the abdomen. An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the belly button. A ventral hernia is any hernia through the front abdominal wall, and an incisional hernia is a ventral hernia that forms through the scar of a previous operation. These hernias often grow over time and can cause pain, pressure or a visible bulge, especially when you stand, cough or lift. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, our surgeons repair umbilical, ventral and incisional hernias with open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our board-certified surgeons repair everything from small umbilical hernias to large, complex abdominal wall hernias. Dr. Alexander Rose specializes in complex hernia repair and chest wall reconstruction, and Dr. Steven Hodgett has advanced training in robotic, laparoscopic and complex hernia surgery.
Most small hernia repairs are outpatient procedures, so you go home the same day.
Before surgery, we review your health, weight and any earlier operations so your repair has the best chance of lasting.
TYPES OF ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS
UMBILICAL HERNIA
A bulge at the belly button. In adults these often appear or grow after pregnancy, weight gain or straining, and they do not go away on their own.
EPIGASTRIC HERNIA
A small hernia in the midline between the breastbone and the belly button. It may feel like a tender lump that is easier to see when you tense your stomach muscles.
INCISIONAL HERNIA
A hernia through the scar of a previous abdominal operation. It can appear months or years later and can become large, sometimes with more than one opening.
DIASTASIS RECTI OR HERNIA?
A separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) can look like a bulge but is not a true hernia and usually does not need surgery. A surgeon can tell the difference with a simple exam or an ultrasound. Learn about other types of hernia repair.
WHEN IT IS AN EMERGENCY
Go to the emergency room if the bulge becomes hard, very painful or discolored, cannot be pushed back in, or comes with nausea, vomiting or not passing gas. These are signs of a trapped (strangulated) hernia.
HOW WE REPAIR THEM
OPEN REPAIR
Small umbilical and epigastric hernias are often repaired through a small incision near the hernia. The opening is closed with stitches and, for most hernias, reinforced with mesh.
LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR
Through a few small incisions away from the hernia, the surgeon places mesh on the inside of the abdominal wall to cover the weak area. This works well for many ventral and incisional hernias.
ROBOTIC AND COMPLEX REPAIR
Robotic surgery gives the surgeon a magnified 3D view and precise stitching to close the muscle opening and place mesh through small incisions. Large or recurrent hernias may need a planned reconstruction of the abdominal wall.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
Your surgeon will examine you and may order an ultrasound or CT scan to measure the hernia. Quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar and, when possible, losing weight before surgery lower the chance of the hernia coming back. See our checklist for general surgery.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
A small umbilical hernia repair often takes less than an hour, and you go home the same day. Larger ventral and incisional repairs take longer and may need a hospital stay of one or more nights.
CARE AT HOME
Walk several times a day, hold a pillow against your belly when you cough, and keep the incisions clean and dry. Your surgeon may recommend an abdominal binder after a larger repair. Prevent constipation with fluids, fiber and a stool softener if needed.
RECOVERY
After a small repair, most people return to light activity within a few days and to desk work in one to two weeks. Larger repairs take longer. Heavy lifting usually waits four to six weeks or more. Read our guide to hernia surgery recovery time.
OUR HERNIA SURGEONS
Umbilical, ventral and incisional hernia repairs at North Florida Surgeons are performed by board-certified general surgeons, including Dr. Alexander Rose, Dr. Steven Hodgett and Dr. Craig Morgenthal.
UMBILICAL AND VENTRAL HERNIA FAQS
Does an umbilical hernia in an adult need surgery?
Adult umbilical hernias do not close on their own and usually get bigger. Small hernias without symptoms can sometimes be watched, but most adults eventually choose repair to relieve discomfort and avoid the hernia becoming trapped.
Will my hernia repair use mesh?
Mesh is used for most umbilical, ventral and incisional hernia repairs because it lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Very small hernias may be closed with stitches alone. Your surgeon will explain the best option for you.
How long is recovery after umbilical hernia repair?
Most people go home the same day, return to light activity within a few days and to desk work in about one to two weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits four to six weeks.
Should I wait until after pregnancy to repair an umbilical hernia?
Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall and can cause a hernia to come back, so many women who plan more pregnancies choose to wait if the hernia is not causing problems. Talk with your surgeon about the right timing for you.
Can a ventral or incisional hernia come back?
Yes, these hernias can come back, especially after large repairs. Mesh reinforcement, not smoking, a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting while you heal all lower the risk.
Does insurance cover hernia repair?
Many insurance plans cover hernia repair when it is medically necessary, but coverage varies by plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I schedule a hernia consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: inguinal hernia repair, hiatal hernia repair.
