Can an umbilical hernia come back after being repaired with mesh?

Question

I had an umbilical hernia repaired in Aug 2013. IT was repaired using mesh. I am now pregnant and having sharp pains around my belly button. Could it have come back and can it be repaired while I'm pregnant.

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

Hernias can certainly recur, even if they have been repaired with mesh.  The stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy can put strain on the repair.  The presence of pain alone would not necessarily indicate a recurrence, however.  Given that the mesh is inflexible, the movement of the underlying abdominal wall as your pregnancy advances may lead to tension and pain without recurrence. A visit to your general surgeon would be a good idea, and physical exam and/or ultrasound may diagnose your problem.  Unless you have an emergent situation where abdominal contents like bowel or fat have gotten stuck in the hernia (so-called "incarceration") any repair would be deferred until after you deliver.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

While the percentages are low, it is certainly possible for an umbilical hernia to recur, even when mesh is used.  Best to have your hernia surgeon examine you and discuss what is going on.  Any repair would be deferred until after you deliver your baby.All the best,

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

Any hernia that has been repaired and recur, especially in
the scenario of pregnancy and a previous umbilical hernia repair.Typically repair is not performed until after
pregnancy unless an obstruction occurs.I would recommend seeing the surgeon who repaired the hernia to inform
them of this change so they can monitor you throughout the rest of your
pregnancy and afterward as well.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Yes, these can recur, though uncommonly. Pregnancy is a risk factor for recurrence. Best to check with your OB about how to handle this.  Most non-urgent surgery is deferred during pregnancy.All the best.

Can an umbilical hernia come back after being repaired with mesh?

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