- How is the surgery for umbilical hernia
- How is recovery from surgery
- How to facilitate healing after surgery
Adult umbilical hernia should be treated with surgery to prevent complications, such as intestinal infection. However, it is more common in babies and, in these cases, no specific treatment is necessary because, in most cases, it disappears on its own by the age of 5 years.
Umbilical hernia is characterized by a swelling in or around the navel, which is formed by fat or a part of the small or large intestine that has managed to pass through the abdomen muscle due to increased abdominal pressure in cases of overweight, for example.
Usually, the umbilical hernia does not cause symptoms, but if it is very large the person may experience pain and nausea, especially when making some kind of effort, such as lifting a heavy box or bending down to pick up an object from the floor. See all symptoms that may indicate a hernia.
How is the surgery for umbilical hernia
Before surgery, the surgeon should order preoperative exams that depend on age and if the patient has any chronic disease, but the most common are chest X-rays, electrocardiogram, in addition to blood count, blood glucose, urea and creatine.
The treatment for umbilical hernia, which has symptoms or is very large, is always surgery, called herniorrhaphy. It is a simple surgery that can be done through a cut in the abdominal region or by laparoscopy. In some cases, a protective net may be left at the surgery site to prevent the hernia from returning.
Surgery can be performed on children over 5 years of age, by SUS or in private clinics, using 2 different methods: laparoscopy or cut on the abdomen.
In surgery with a cut in the abdomen, epidural anesthesia is required. After the cut is made, the hernia is pushed into the belly and the abdominal wall is closed with stitches. Usually the doctor places a mesh on the area to prevent a new hernia from appearing on the spot.
When the doctor opts for laparoscopic surgery there is a need for general anesthesia and 3 small 'holes' are made in the abdomen to allow the microcamera and other instruments that the doctor needs to push the hernia into place, also placing the screen to prevent it from reappearing.
How is recovery from surgery
In the case of laparoscopic surgery, recovery is faster and usually the person is only hospitalized for 1 or 2 days, being able to return to their usual activities in 2 weeks. In this case, the scar of the surgery is very small, there is less pain in the postoperative period and the risk of infection is less.
Some important precautions while the person does not recover completely are:
- Avoid picking up objects heavier than 5 kg during the first month after surgery and up to 10 kg, 3 months later; Place your hand or a pillow over the stitches if you need to cough; Food can be normal, but if it is rich in fiber it may be more comfortable to evacuate without pain; it is only recommended to drive, when you do not feel abdominal pain, about 3 to 5 days after surgery; you can bathe even with the dressing of the surgery. Go to the doctor if the area looks infected, like a bad smell, red, with discharge and pus.
In addition, wearing a brace can help provide greater comfort. You can buy this umbilical hernia strap at a hospital supply store or online.
How to facilitate healing after surgery
Eating foods rich in lean protein, such as egg, chicken breast and fish, is an excellent way to promote tissue growth to close the surgical wound. In addition, you should drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin well hydrated and elastic. However, foods known as "oars" should be avoided because they are rich in sugar or fat, such as ham, sausage, pork, bacon and fried foods, as they hinder healing.
You should also avoid taking weight, smoking, drinking carbonated or alcoholic beverages, in addition to keeping your pressure under control, as all of these factors contribute to the formation of a new hernia.
