If you’ve been told you need an umbilical hernia repair, you probably have questions (and maybe a few nerves, too.) This common abdominal procedure can be life-changing when it’s done correctly. It restores core stability, reduces pain, and lowers the risk of more serious complications. Knowing what happens during surgery can ease your worries and help you feel confident about what lies ahead.
Dr. Gregory Dumanian is a board-certified general and plastic surgeon. Known worldwide for his expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction, he often handles highly complex umbilical hernia repairs, including revision cases. With over three decades of experience and a reassuring manner, he ensures patients fully understand what to expect from consultation through recovery.
Understanding Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical hernias happen when part of an organ (usually the intestine) or other tissue pushes through a weak spot near your navel. About 2 in 10 babies are born with this condition, and most outgrow it.
Adults aren’t quite so lucky. Many adults develop umbilical hernias due to increased pressure in the abdominal area. Often, it happens during pregnancy and is associated with abdominal muscle separation and rectus diastasis (diastasis recti.) Carrying extra weight and frequent straining of the abdominal muscles, like heavy lifting, can also contribute.
About 10% of all abdominal hernias are umbilical hernias.
Hernias do not go away without medical intervention. They often become painful, especially when coughing, lifting, or straining. Repairing the hernia helps restore strength and structure to your abdominal wall and prevents serious complications. Without treatment, about 4% of umbilical hernias strangulate. This is a medical emergency that cuts blood supply to your intestines.
Treating your umbilical hernia now can provide peace of mind and symptom relief.
What Happens During Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Dr. Dumanian performs umbilical hernia repair as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and sedation medicine.
He creates an incision in the abdomen on the undersurface of the navel skin. He detaches the umbilical stalk from the abdominal wall to identify the hernia or hole in the tissues. He then repairs the hernia using a mesh suture that he invented called DuraMesh™. These unique mesh sutures have space for the tissue to grow into them. Essentially, the mesh suture and your tissue work bidirectionally to keep the repair secure and help prevent umbilical hernia recurrence.
A combination abdominoplasty and hernia repair could be the best choice for patients who wish to remove excess skin at the time of hernia repair.
Dr. Dumanian’s extensive experience in abdominal wall reconstruction truly makes a difference here because he tailors your hernia repair to your unique needs.
Umbilical Hernia Repair in Chicago
If you’re ready to address your umbilical hernia with a trusted expert, call our Chicago office at 312-695-6022 to schedule your consultation.