Why is this procedure done?
A hernia starts with a weak area in your babys belly wall around the belly button. Then, the lining of your child's belly can push through the weak area and form a sack. A hernia looks like a bulge or swelling on the outside of your child's belly. It can push out when your child is active or crying but will flatten when your child is relaxed. Most often, this type of hernia fixes itself with time. ‚
Surgery may be needed when: ‚
- The hernia fails to go away on its own
- It is large
- Some of the bowel gets caught in the hernia
The doctor will cut your child's belly to repair the umbilical hernia. This is an open repair. Another way to repair an umbilical hernia is for the doctor to use a tool that goes through the belly button. This is a laparoscopic repair. Your doctor can help you decide what procedure is best for your child. ‚
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What will the results be?
Lump or bulge near or around your childs belly button is gone ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your childs history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs your child is taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs your child takes with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if your child is taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. Your child may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to the doctor about them.
The doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- X-ray of the belly
- Ultrasound
When your child needs to stop eating or drinking before the procedure. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once your child is in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your childs arm to give fluids and drugs. A drug will be given to make your child sleepy. It will also help your child stay pain free during the surgery.
In an open surgery: ‚
- The doctor will cut the skin over your child's hernia. The skin from the hernia will be removed and the muscles around the hernia will be strengthened by sewing them together.
- In some cases, a mesh will make the belly wall stronger and prevent the hernia from coming back.
- The doctor will close the cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
In a laparoscopic surgery: ‚
- Your child's doctor will use a small tube with a tiny camera. It will let the doctor see inside your child's belly. The doctor will put the tube through a small cut over your child's belly area. The doctor will put in another special tool to repair the hernia.
- The doctor will close the cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
The procedure takes less than 2 hours. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- Your child will go to the Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take care of your child.
- Your child can go home after the surgery. In some cases, your child may need to stay overnight in the hospital.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Hernia comes back
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/UmbilicalHernia/Pages/Whathappenspage.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚