Umbilical Hernia (Tund Ki Hernia) Surgery in Bathinda — Dr. Raman Garg

An umbilical hernia occurs when abdominal tissue or intestine pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall around the belly button (navel). It is one of the most common hernias in adults, particularly in women who have had multiple pregnancies and in obese individuals. Dr. Raman Garg at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda provides expert laparoscopic repair for umbilical hernias of all sizes, with same-day discharge and excellent long-term results.

Types of Umbilical Hernia

• Small umbilical hernia (<2 cm defect): Can often be repaired with primary suture closure (no mesh) — but mesh reduces recurrence risk even for small hernias
• Medium umbilical hernia (2–4 cm defect): Mesh repair essential — laparoscopic or open
• Large umbilical hernia (>4 cm defect): Always requires mesh; laparoscopic repair preferred — IPOM (Intra-Peritoneal Onlay Mesh) technique
• Giant umbilical hernia (>10 cm): Requires open surgery with component separation in some cases
• Para-umbilical hernia: Just above or below the umbilicus — treated the same way

Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia

• Visible or palpable bulge at or near the belly button
• Bulge enlarges with standing, coughing, straining, or lifting
• Bulge may disappear when lying down (reducible hernia)
• Discomfort or aching around the navel
• Occasionally, nausea (if intestine is involved)

Warning signs of strangulation (emergency): Sudden severe pain at the hernia site, hernia becomes hard and irreducible, vomiting, fever, redness of skin over hernia — rush to hospital immediately.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Multiple pregnancies (repeated stretching of abdominal wall)
• Obesity — increased intra-abdominal pressure
• Previous abdominal surgery (especially laparotomy)
• Chronic constipation or urinary obstruction (straining)
• Heavy lifting / physical labour
• Chronic cough
• Liver cirrhosis with ascites (fluid in abdomen)
• Congenital weakness at umbilical ring (may persist from childhood)

Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair — IPOM Technique

For umbilical hernias ≥2 cm, Dr. Raman Garg performs Laparoscopic IPOM (Intra-Peritoneal Onlay Mesh) repair:

1. Three small incisions (5–10 mm) away from the hernia
2. Camera and instruments inserted; hernia contents pushed back into abdomen
3. A composite mesh (dual-surface — smooth side faces bowel, rough side faces abdominal wall) is placed inside the abdomen, completely covering the hernia defect with wide overlap
4. Mesh secured with tacks and/or transfascial sutures for strong fixation
5. No incision over the hernia — excellent cosmetic result
6. Discharge same day or next day

Advantages of Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair

• No incision at the hernia site — excellent cosmesis (especially important for umbilical area)
• Wide mesh coverage — very low recurrence rate (<2%)
• Same-day discharge in most cases
• No wound infection at hernia site — mesh is placed internally, away from any skin incision
• Minimal pain — much less than open repair
• Can simultaneously repair multiple hernias if present
• Preferred for obese patients — open wound healing problems are avoided

Recovery After Umbilical Hernia Surgery

• Day 1: Discharge from hospital. Oral pain medication. Soft diet.
• Day 3–5: Light activities (walking, cooking). Driving possible after 5–7 days.
• Week 2: Resume desk work. Avoid lifting more than 5 kg.
• Week 4–6: Resume all activities including gym and heavy lifting.
• Complete internal healing takes 6–8 weeks (mesh integrates into tissue).

Umbilical Hernia in Pregnancy

Many women develop or notice umbilical hernias during or after pregnancy. Repair is generally planned after delivery and completion of breastfeeding. During pregnancy, a supportive abdominal binder may help with discomfort. However, if the hernia becomes strangulated or incarcerated during pregnancy, emergency surgery is performed.

Frequently Asked Questions — Umbilical Hernia Surgery Bathinda