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.