Umbilical Hernia Surgery & Repair | Boston Hernia

Umbilical Hernias – What’s the Deal with This Outie?

Everyone has an opening in the abdominal wall beneath the belly button. It’s where you received all your nutrition through the umbilical cord before you were born. Sometimes, tissues within the abdomen can push through that natural opening. The result is the appearance of an “outie” belly button, or a bump very close to the navel itself. It usually happens with men as a result of weight gain. It’s also quite common in pregnant women, but usually goes away naturally following the pregnancy. In some cases, heavy lifting can trigger one of these hernias too.

In almost all cases, no. Many patients have few or zero symptoms from their umbilical hernias except for the existence of an “outie.” For some, the unwanted appearance is the only reason to consult with a hernia specialist. Others may experience a bit of discomfort if the hernia bumps into something. Rarely is this a big deal.

If the discomfort leads to pain, however, particularly after eating a large meal, it makes sense to have the hernia evaluated by a surgeon. That’s when it’s time to call Boston Hernia to determine if surgical repair is the best solution.

Two Simple Surgeries for Umbilical Hernias

1.- For most patients, we recommend umbilical hernia surgery with mesh. We make a small incision at the hernia location and gently push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen where it belongs. We place a piece of mesh under the abdominal wall and suture it in place, then we sew the hole in the abdominal wall closed over top the mesh for a durable, two-layer repair.

2.- In some cases, the umbilical hernia can be repaired by suturing alone, without mesh. We typically reserve this technique for thin, healthy patients, especially women with umbilical hernias as a result of pregnancy.

The decision to proceed with mesh or suture repair is made between you and your surgeon. After umbilical hernia surgery, most patients return to normal daily activity within a few days of surgery. Return to full physical activity is depending on the individual, but typically occurs between 2-4 weeks post-op.

OUR FACILITIES

Boston Hernia is a focused surgical practice located in Wellesley, MA, less than a mile from Newton-Wellesley Hospital, just outside of Boston. We provide hernia care for patients throughout New England, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut, and Vermont.

PATIENT OUTCOMES

Our clinic exists so we can help patients find clear-cut answers to their hernia diagnosis and repair options without having to experience the frustration of being another number on a surgeon’s agenda. We continually strive to make an impact on the lives of our patients and help them return to all the things they love.

MEET OUR TEAM

We bring surgical decision making to the patients. The team at Boston Hernia practices a collaborative approach emphasizing the importance of spending more time with each patient, examining, educating, and discussing treatment options. We’re focused on having a medical provider be the contact at every point of care.

ABOUT DR REINHORN

Dr. Michael Reinhorn is a specialist in inguinal hernia and umbilical hernias. He started his practice as an all-encompassing general surgeon in 2001, and in 2012, he started to specialize in the care of hernia and pilonidal patients resulting in a focused practice designed to provide a superior clinical experience.

SEE WHAT BOSTON HERNIA PATIENTS SAY

“While hernia surgeries have become common, any surgery, however routine, can be dangerous. The charge, therefore, was to find a top-flight surgeon with impeccable credentials and a bulletproof track record. It was no contest. The reviews for Dr. Reinhorn were not only good but stellar- written by people who at once were credible not only because of what they said but how they said it. In July, Dr. Reinhorn, backed by a crack team, excised the hernia in a seamless 45-min procedure. I was back home three hours later. Indeed, there was expected post-surgical aftermath but I quickly was back to normal and, most important it should be stressed that I (while prescribed) took no pain medication.”

- Herb S.

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