Small Umbilical Hernia. Suture or Mesh? (photo)

Umbilical hernias that are small are commonly encountered during an abdominoplasty. There easily fixed sutures. Introduction of mesh means the foreign body that may be beneficial if there is a high risk for recurrence.

Most plastic surgeons, including myself, only fix umbilical hernias during tummy tucks. If the individual is thin and not planning on having more children, I will perform a suture repair using a technique called "vest over pants". Very low recurrence rate in these cases and I can reconstruct the belly button at the same time. Ask your surgeon about the appearance of the belly button if they "plug it with mesh from the inside"!

 

 

 

Dear Orl8ndom0m,

Thank you for your question and photo.  I commonly fix umbilical hernias during tummy tucks, or just umbilicoplasty.  To get the best result, an umbilicoplasty needs to be performed at the same time.  Mesh is useful during the procedure to prevent recurrence.  I place this through a small incision along the inside of the belly button which is the same incision that I use for the umbilicoplasty.  The mesh is still placed below the muscles.  No need for entering the abdoment with a laprascope is needed in my opinion. 

Best wishes,

Pablo Prichard, MD

These are questions you need to ask each surgeon. The techniques could vary. I think a mesh might be a better option. 

2-3 cm is not necessarily what I would call a small umbilical hernia. Most plastic surgeons only occasionally fix a small such hernia, so I am not sure you have chosen the best forum for advice. 

Mesh has been used because of the lower rate of recurrence. Usually that benefit outweighs the risks you have enumerated. All the best.