Publication:

Surgical management of umbilical and paraumbilical hernias

Background To evaluate several types of surgical repair and their morbidity and post-operative complications.

Methods This was a prospective observational surgical study conducted in 50 cases of umbilical and paraumbilical hernias were included, the study was carried out by history, clinical examination, and appropriate investigations for operation were conducted. The patients were treated by either of the two surgical procedures Mayo’s repair or tension free repair using prolene mesh (mesh repair).

Results Umbilical and paraumbilical hernias were more common in females. Highest incidence was noted in 30-40 and 50-60 years age groups. Abdominal swelling was the most common complaint followed by pain. Post-operative complications like wound infection and seroma were noted in both the procedures. These hernias were operated by Mayo’s anatomical repair and tension free hernioplasty (mesh repair). Two recurrences were noted in patients operated by Mayo’s repair. There was no recurrence following mesh repair.

Conclusions Surgery was the main modality of treatment. Fewer complications like wound infection and seroma formation which can be managed conservatively by antibiotics, drainage of the seroma and pus with regular dressings were done. Study emphasizes tension free hernioplasty (mesh repair) to be the procedure of choice for the treatment of umbilical and paraumbilical hernias.