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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 Guatemala 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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Guatemala is a country in Central America and its territory was once the core of the Maya Civilization. There are numerous historical sites to explore in this country, from Tikal National Park where visitors can learn more about the Maya to the colonial city of Antigua, which is one of the many footprints the Spanish left behind. However, there are other charms as well, such as the many amazing volcanoes, lakes, jungles, and inexpensive food markets. Besides its natural beauty and ancient ruins, Guatemala is also popular among international tourists for its medical tourism. Foreign patients who are looking for a more cost-effective solution for their medical requirements choose Guatemala because the country offers the finest quality healthcare at reasonable rates. On average, medical procedures in this country are 50 to 75% less expensive than in the US. Furthermore, the standard and quality of the hospitals and clinics in this country are on par with those in the USA.
The most popular city in Guatemala is Antigua, which was the capital of Guatemala. Located in the central highlands of the country, between three volcanoes, this city is mainly known for its preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. From its churches, houses, ruins, parks, to its cobbled streets, the city will never cease to captivate visitors. Visit the Plaza Mayor (central square) to admire its awesome palaces, cathedral, and gardens. While most travelers used to skip Guatemala City, the capital of the country, more and more travelers are coming to the city as it reinvents itself as a safe and interesting destination to visit. Another popular city is Panajachel, which is the gateway to the striking Lago de Atitlán.
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Holders of passports of 86 countries, including all EU countries, the US, and the UK, are allowed to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. Other nationals, including China and Nepal, need to apply for a visa to be able to visit the country.
Guatemala has two seasons. The rainy season stretches from May through October, with the majority of rain falling between September and October. The dry season extends from November to April, characterized by clear, blue skies. Note that coastal areas can be very humid.