What is the treatment for a patient with an umbilical hernia?

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Last updated: February 13, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Treatment Options for Umbilical Hernia

  • Surgery is indicated in symptomatic patients with umbilical hernias, and treatment options should be tailored to the clinical situation 1.
  • Open, laparoscopic, and robotic options exist for repair, with each having its advantages and disadvantages 1.
  • Mesh should be used for repair, as it has been shown to decrease recurrence rates, even in small hernias 1, 2.

Use of Mesh in Umbilical Hernia Repair

  • The European Hernia Society and the Americas Hernia Society recommend placing a non-absorbable (permanent) flat mesh into the preperitoneal space with an overlap of the hernia defect of 3 cm 3.
  • Suture repair should only be considered for small hernia defects of less than 1 cm 3.
  • The use of a mesh in general is subject to controversial debate, particularly for small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias 3, 4.

Recurrence Rates and Complications

  • Recurrence rates are higher after suture repair (11%) than after mesh repair (1%) 2.
  • No relationship was found between wound infection or obesity and umbilical hernia recurrence 4.
  • Pain and recurrence rates are significantly less favorable for patients treated with suture repair compared to mesh repair 3.

Patient-Specific Considerations

  • Umbilical hernias in children are typically congenital and have a simple surgical treatment with low recurrence rates 5.
  • In adults, umbilical hernias have an acquired origin and may require more complex treatment, especially in obese or cirrhotic patients 5.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.