For patients
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Umbilical hernia treatment
The navel is a weak point in the abdominal wall. Hernias in the navel area are very common and are often only noticed by patients when pain occurs. Sometimes they are disturbing and in some cases the bulging skin suffers so much that it starts to ooze.
Surgical techniques
Both minimally invasive laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh insertion and open hernia surgery can be used to treat the umbilical hernia. The method of choice depends on various factors such as the size of the hernia, previous operations, body weight, the presence of a rectus diastasis and, last but not least, the patient’s wishes.
For laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh insertion, air is first insufflated into the abdominal cavity to enable work to be carried out using a camera and special instruments. The hernia ring is then closed from the inside with a suture and reinforced with a plastic mesh specially developed for this operation.
In open hernia surgery, an incision is made directly over the hernia, the hernial sac is removed and the hernial orifice is exposed. A plastic mesh is placed in front of the peritoneum and the hernial orifice and the skin above it are closed.
Possible complications
- General complications: Allergic reaction, thrombosis, urinary retention
- Surgical complications: Bleeding, fluid accumulation, infection, injury to an intra-abdominal organ, wound healing disorder, recurrence of the hernia
Responsible professionals
Diana Vetter, PD Dr. med.
Chief Physician, Department of Visceral and Transplant Surgery
Tel.
+41 43 253 56 72
Mail
diana.vetter@usz.ch
Specialties:
General visceral surgery, Endocrine surgery
Raphael Knechtle, Dr. med.
Attending Physician, Department of Visceral and Transplant Surgery
Tel.
+41 43 253 18 81
For referrering physicians
Easily assign your patient online.
Tel.
+41 44 255 11 35