Abdominal Bulge (Ventral & Umbilical Hernia Repair; Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: Sometimes, following an abdominal operation, the skin at the site of the scar can bulge out.  This potentially devastating conditions are simply treated; minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical treatment of  ventral and umbilical hernias is an attractive option.

Generality: An opening of the muscle under the umbilicus (belly button) or of the abdominal musculature divided after an old operation causes bowel to pouch through.  This appears as an abdominal bulge, at times tender.  Progressive enlargement of this condition should be avoided because the organ within the bulge can get their blood vessel cut off and dies.  Should this occur, an emergent operation is mandatory.

Anesthesia: The procedure is carried out  under General anesthesia (you will not remember any of the events of the surgery) plus generous local anesthesia. 

Type of Procedure: Open repair is the standard surgical technique.  The skin is open around the bulge and the bulge contents pushed inside the abdomen.  The defect can be closed with heavy sutures (or surgical thread) if less than 1"or, if larger than 1", with a flat piece of plastic mesh.  

More recently, the repair has been performed by laparoscopy (1/4" tubes inserted inside the abdomen which is distended with a gas, CO₂).  Using special instruments, the same kind of mesh is inserted into the abdomen and secured to the edges of the opening to repair it.  *However, not all ventral or umbilical repairs are amenable with the laparoscopic repair.

Recovery Time: For the open repair, usually about one week (it also depends on the extent of the repair; for the laparoscopic repair about two-three days.  Return to work is allowed as soon as you are comfortable, heavy lifting after about three weeks.

Postoperative Pain:  Well controlled by application of cold pack and oral medication.  After the repair with the laparoscopic technique, the amount of discomfort is minimal and short lasting.