Umbilical Hernia Repair Complications

Umbilical hernias occur due to muscle weakness in or around the belly button. These hernias are most common in women during and soon after pregnancy and in overweight people. Hernia repair operations usually do not result in complications.

Continuing Pain

Abdominal pain or numbness may linger for several months after umbilical hernia repair, states Bupa Health Care.

Anesthesia Reactions

You might have a negative reaction to the anesthesia. This is more common with general and spinal anesthesia than with local anesthesia, as noted by a study published in a 2003 issue of the "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine."

Blood Clot

A patient undergoing umbilical hernia repair may develop a blood clot in a leg vein (deep vein thrombosis). Treatment can prevent the clot from becoming larger and from breaking loose and moving to the lungs.

Organ Damage

Damage to other organs in the abdomen, particularly the large intestine, may occur during hernia repair. This complication is rare, according to Medline Plus. Further surgery may be needed if this happens.

Considerations

Because umbilical hernia repair is generally safe, the main complications of are those associated with any surgery, i.e., excessive bleeding and infection.

References

• Medline Plus: Umbilical Hernia Repair
• "Journal of Postgraduate Medicine;" Umbilical Hernia in Adults: Day Case Local Anaesthetic Repair; V. S. Menon, T. H. Brown; 2003
• Bupa Health Care: Umbilical Hernia Repair