Postoperative period after umbilical hernia surgery

• An umbilical hernia occurs because the muscle around the navel does not close completely, allowing the intestine to move outwards.
• Open surgery allows the problem to be completely solved, allowing the patient to recover their quality of life in just 4 weeks.
• The guidelines to follow during the recovery process are very important, ensuring the success of the process and completely reducing the chances of recurrence.

An umbilical hernia occurs due to a deformity in the abdominal wall, usually due to a congenital defect acquired at birth. It is a bulge in or around the navel, formed by the small intestine or by the layers surrounding it, which protrude under the skin.

Below, we explain how this problem can be solved, differentiating between the two techniques that exist. You will then find the most common care after the surgery.

When an umbilical hernia is diagnosed, the best option to solve its symptoms and eliminate its presence is to opt for surgical treatment, which can be by means of conventional surgery or laparoscopic intervention. Below we explain what both techniques consist of.

• Conventional or open surgery: The intervention consists of making an incision below or above the belly button until the hernia is reached. Once the hernia has been located, the specialist places it back into the tissue inside the abdomen. The surgical mesh is then placed to prevent the hernia from moving outwards again. The operation is completed by suturing the incision.
• Laparoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive intervention. During this type of procedure, small incisions are made in the abdominal area, through which the surgical instruments are introduced to repair the umbilical hernia. With the help of a laparoscope, the surgeon observes the inside of the patient and intervenes the hernia, also places a surgical mesh and finishes by suturing the incisions.

Both surgeries allow for a high success rate and rapid recovery, improving patients' quality of life.

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After surgery, the patient can usually return home the same day, as it is an outpatient intervention. However, hospitalisation for up to 24 hours is possible.

In terms of full recovery, most patients are back to full capacity four weeks after surgery.

To find out more about the postoperative period following umbilical hernia surgery, we explain the most important aspects to bear in mind during this period.

Going home

• Rest: After surgery, it is normal for the patient to feel tired and low on energy, so specialists recommend rest for at least the first 2 or 3 days.
• Wound care: One of the guidelines to bear in mind during recovery is the care and hygiene of the area where the stitches are located, taking into account the indications given by the surgeon. To do this, the patient should normally apply antibiotic ointments and wash the area with mild soap and water, drying it with small touches and putting on a new bandage.
• Stitches: Stitches are usually external, so they should be removed by the doctor in a post-operative consultation when indicated by the doctor.
• Disappearance of postoperative signs: During the first week it is normal for bruising to appear around the wound. This usually disappears during the first few days, although it may take a little longer for the swelling, which is also present in the area, to disappear.
• Drugs: To relieve inflammation and discomfort after surgery, specialists prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, at least during the first few weeks.
• Diet: Other indications to follow during the postoperative period are to eat a light diet, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods rich in fibre, thus reducing the possibility of constipation and, consequently, reducing discomfort around the wound.
• It is preferable to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to avoid rubbing the stitches.

Resuming activities

• Effects of anaesthesia: If the operation has been performed under general anaesthesia, it is recommended to wait and rest for at least 48 hours, especially if you are going to carry out activities such as operating heavy machinery, drinking alcohol or making important decisions.
• Routine activities: Normally, light activities such as walking, shopping or work involving little physical effort can be resumed little by little, as long as the patient does not feel discomfort that prevents them from doing so or endangers the healing of the wounds. Activities that cause tightness in the wound or minimal pain in the area should be avoided.
• Return to work: It is possible, after two weeks, to return to work, although the period of reincorporation may be longer if the work involves great physical effort, as this can seriously affect the healing process.
• Do not overexert the area: Heavy lifting (more than 4 kg) and heavy exercise should be avoided, at least during the first 4 weeks or until the doctor indicates that you have fully recovered.
• Driving: Driving can be resumed after the third week, when the abdominal muscles are almost completely strengthened again and the painkillers are no longer being taken.

We remind you that these postoperative indications are general after umbilical hernia surgery, therefore, they may vary depending on the situation of each patient and the considerations taken into account by the specialist.

If you are thinking of having surgery, remember that you can request a free surgical assessment consultation with one of our specialists in General Surgery to get to know you, to familiarise yourself with your case and together you can decide on the best option. 

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