Can umbilical hernia sutures be modified w/o losing my belly button? 5wks post op, can't use diaphragm, skin around lungs tight

Question

I had a 5.cm hernia repair that was ill-advised; I did not understand the surgery. I have nasal valve collapse that I failed to disclose to the surgeon and while I was breathing well before surgery, I find my breathing worse as the skin as contracted to sit around sutures. Can I do anything to ease my diaphragm movement w/the sutures, in the same way muscles aren't plicated too tightly after a tummy tuck? I wish I could have the belly button suture coil taken out altogether. #breathing #hernia.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I’m sorry to hear about your discomfort. Unfortunately the sutures of your hernia repair cannot be loosened. It is not uncommon for patients to experience mild difficulty breathing difficulties after hernia repair as the body’s organs adjusts to the decreased space. Fortunately these symptoms improve over time. Because breathing difficulties can be due to a variety of causes, it is important you communicate your concerns to your surgeon and seek prompt medical attention should your symptoms become unbearable.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Can umbilical hernia sutures be modified w/o losing my belly button? 5wks post op, can't use diaphragm, skin around lungs tight

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