Is Umbilical Hernia Repair Risky? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Umbilical hernia repair is a common surgical procedure performed to fix a bulge or protrusion near the belly button. While the risks associated with this surgery are generally low, it’s important to understand the potential complications and weigh them against the benefits of the procedure.

Risks of Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery
The risks of umbilical hernia repair surgery are usually very low unless the person also has other serious medical problems. Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general are:

Reactions to medicines or breathing problems
Bleeding, blood clots, or infection

Specific risks of umbilical hernia surgery include:

Injury to the small or large intestine (rare)
Hernia coming back (small risk)

Factors that May Increase the Risk of Complications

Certain factors may increase your risk of complications from umbilical hernia surgery, such as:

Age: Older patients may be at higher risk of complications
Obesity: Excess weight can make surgery more difficult and increase your risk of complications
Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of complications and slow down the healing process
Chronic illness: Certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, may increase your risk of complications
Previous surgery: If you have had previous abdominal surgery, you may be at higher risk of complications from hernia surgery
Type of hernia: Certain types of hernias may be associated with a higher risk of complications from surgery
Type of surgery: The type of surgery performed can also affect the risk of complications. For example, laparoscopic surgery may be associated with a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.

Benefits of Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery
Umbilical hernia repair surgery can provide several benefits, including:

Relieving pain and discomfort caused by the hernia
Preventing serious complications, such as strangulation or incarceration of the hernia contents
Improving the appearance of the abdomen
Allowing for a return to normal activities and physical function

Deciding on Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

Whether or not to undergo umbilical hernia repair surgery is a decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. Factors to consider include the size and symptoms of your hernia, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
In some cases, small, asymptomatic hernias may be monitored without immediate surgery. However, larger or symptomatic hernias, or those that pose a risk of complications, may require surgical repair.