Umbilical Hernia Repairin Northern New Jersey

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

Most “outie” belly buttons are actually small umbilical hernias. These are usually present from birth and often go unnoticed for many years. Over time, normal wear and tear and weakening of the abdominal tissues can cause the hernia to slowly enlarge and become more noticeable.

When Should an Umbilical Hernia Be Repaired?

Umbilical hernias do not behave predictably. Some remain the same size for years, while others can grow quickly over a short period of time.

We generally recommend repair if:

• The hernia is causing discomfort or pain
• You notice the hernia increasing in size
• The hernia is 2 cm or larger, which helps prevent complications such as incarceration

Repairing a hernia early may also avoid the need for mesh.

Size-Based Recommendations

• Less than 1 cm: Observation is reasonable unless symptoms develop or the hernia grows
• 1–2 cm: Consultation with a surgeon is recommended
• Greater than 2 cm: Surgical repair is recommended

As a general rule, umbilical hernias 2–3 cm or smaller can often be repaired without mesh.

Pain Control and Recovery

Post-operative pain is typically very well controlled. We use Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic that provides pain relief for 48–72 hours. When combined with Tylenol and/or NSAIDs, most patients experience minimal discomfort.

• Most patients return to work within 1–3 days
• Longer recovery may be needed if heavy lifting is required

Our Approach to Robotic Surgery and Mesh

We believe robotic repair is not necessary for most umbilical hernias. Robotic surgery:

• Requires three separate incisions
• Is performed inside the abdomen, where organs may be at risk
• Typically requires mesh and general anesthesia

While some surgeons advocate mesh for all umbilical hernias, our experience differs. After performing over 1,000 umbilical hernia repairs, we are not aware of any patients experiencing a recurrence following open repair without mesh.