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Umbilical hernia repair is a simple operation to fix umbilical hernias. An umbilical hernia involves a pouch or bulge forming in the abdomen that occurs when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in or near the belly button. It is common in infants and children, especially in premature babies. In some cases, it may also develop in adults.
Umbilical hernias are easily treatable. In children, they do not always require surgical repair. However, surgery may be necessary if the hernia:
Causes pain and discomfort
Grows after the child is 1 to 2 years old
The intestines are within the bulge
The hernia becomes trapped
The bulge is still present by the age of 4 years.
For most adults with an umbilical hernia, surgery is recommended because the risk of complications is higher and the hernia is unlikely to get better by itself.
Umbilical hernia repair is performed to push the bulge back into place and to strengthen the weak spot in the abdominal wall.
Before the umbilical hernia repair begins, you are given a general anesthetic, which means you are “asleep” during the procedure and will not feel any pain. Occasionally, local anesthetic may be used instead. With this type of anesthetic, you remain awake but the area being operated on is numbed. A local anesthetic is only used in adults who have a small hernia.
The surgeon will start the procedure by making a small incision of around 2 to 3 cm at the base of the belly button. Then, the fatty lump or loop of the bowel is pushed back into the tummy. Then, the surgeon stitches together the muscle layers at the weak spot where the hernia came through to strengthen them. For adults or for those with large umbilical hernias, a special mesh patch may be used to strengthen the area instead of stitches. Once the surgeon is done fixing the hernia and strengthening the weak spot, the incision is closed with special surgical glue or dissolvable stitches.
You generally should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. However, in some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. It is recommended that you stay in Costa Rica for at least 7 days. During your stay, you will need to attend a follow-up checkup where your doctor assesses your healing.
You can gradually resume your normal activities over time until you can do them without feeling any pain. Most patients can perform light activities within 1 or 2 weeks. If you work in an office job, you may be able to return to work in 1 or 2 weeks. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks. Therefore, if you work a manual job, it is wise to wait at least 4 weeks until you return to work.
Children can go back to school in about a week, but they should be excused from games and sports for at least 2 weeks. Make sure your children avoid contact sports for 6 to 8 weeks.
Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself or your child at home. It is very important that you follow everything in the instructions. Here are some things you will need to remember:
In most cases, your doctor will give pain-relieving medications to help ease pain and discomfort. Make sure to take the medications as prescribed.
If your doctor does not prescribe pain killers, you can take over-the-counter medications. However, make sure to consult your doctor beforehand. You can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, do not give your child aspirin if they are under 16 years old.
Wear loose clothing to help reduce any discomfort.
Your doctor will give you instructions to care for the wound and bathing, make sure to follow it.
Make sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and high-fiber food to avoid constipation as this can cause pain around the wound.
Umbilical hernia repair is a low-risk procedure. It is generally safe and effective. However, an umbilical hernia can reoccur. According to a study, the recurrence rate after umbilical hernia repair is 8.9%.
While the procedure is safe, complications can still occur, particularly if you have other serious medical conditions. It is important that you talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the risks. Other risks of the procedure (unrelated to other medical conditions) are:
Blood clots
Infection
Injury to nearby structures
Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Treatment for umbilical hernia is not always required as it may resolve by itself. In children, your doctor may be able to push the lump back into the abdomen. However, adults may not have another alternative to surgery.
Before you undergo an umbilical hernia repair, your hernia may cause pain and discomfort. It may also complicate other serious problems. After the procedure, all symptoms should be relieved and there is no risk of the hernia to complicate.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Costa Rica is a tiny country in Central America, bordered by Panama, Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. This country is generally regarded as having the most democratic and stable government of all the Central American countries. It charms its visitors with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, a plethora of wildlife, and steaming volcanoes. Besides its breathtaking landscape, Costa Rica is also famous for its healthcare. Tens of thousands of medical tourists come to this country to take advantage of its world-class yet inexpensive medical care. Most of the medical procedures in the country are 40% to 50% cheaper than in the United States or Europe. Cosmetic surgery and dentistry are the most sought-after procedure, but a growing number of foreign patients also come for orthopedic treatment, bariatric surgery, and eye surgery.
Surrounded by volcanoes and green hills, San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, has one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This laid-back and pleasant capital is filled with colonial mansions that have been converted into contemporary galleries, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. The most popular attractions in this city are Museo de Jade, Teatro Nacional, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, and Mercado Central. Those who want to relax under the sun usually visit Tamarindo, which is famous for its beaches. Here, visitors can visit Las Baulas National Marine Park, go rafting in the Colorado River, or relax in Playa Tamarindo.
Due to its close proximity to the Equator, Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: the dry “summer” season and rainy “winter” season. The dry season, from January to April, is warm and pleasant. Rain is very unlikely to fall during this season, even in the rainforests. The rainy season, sometimes called the “green season,” is hot and humid. Rain usually falls in the afternoon and evening, while the mornings are often sunny. On the Caribbean coast, rainfall is spread out throughout the year, but it gets far less rain in September and October.
Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main international airport in Costa Rica, located in San José. It has various flights to domestic and international destinations, including Toronto, Mexico, New York, and London. Affordable domestic flights between San José and popular destinations are the fastest way to get around and handy for accessing the more remote areas. Buses are reasonably priced and have an extensive network, but they can be slow. Private and shared shuttles are available, the best way to get around is, however, by renting a car as it gives more flexibility and allows you to access more remote destinations.
Everyone who wants to visit and stay in Costa Rica is required to have a passport unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. The visa-exempt countries include EU countries, the UK, the US, Australia, Russia, and several other nations. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting.