An umbilical hernia is a medical condition in which a weakness in the abdominal muscles allows a portion of the intestines to bulge through the abdomen. Most often, umbilical hernias heal without treatment within a baby’s first year of life, according to TeensHealth from Nemours. Adults can also experience an umbilical hernia, especially individuals who are pregnant or overweight. Umbilical hernias causing pain or strangulation of the bowel may require surgery to repair the damage. During the operation, a surgeon closes the abdominal wall. As with all surgical procedures, complications can occur following umbilical hernia surgery.
Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia can cause complications following the umbilical hernia repair. The medications used during surgery can cause an allergic reaction or side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Common adverse reactions to the medications used during anesthesia include nausea and vomiting. Due to the mechanical ventilation during the surgical procedure, some individuals may develop pneumonia following an umbilical hernia repair. Taking deep breaths and coughing frequently after surgery can help prevent pneumonia. Some patients may experience heart conditions following the use of anesthesia.
Bleeding
Bleeding may occur following surgery to repair an umbilical hernia. The bleeding can occur outside the body, from the wound, or internal bleeding may occur. Bleeding internally can occur due to damage to abdominal organs such as the large intestine. Applying pressure to the wound can help stop bleeding. A surgeon will need to operate to stop internal bleeding.
Infection
The surgical incision may develop an infection following an umbilical hernia repair. Symptoms of an infected wound include increased pain at the surgical site, fever, redness around the incision and drainage coming from the wound. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry helps reduce the risk of developing an infection. Antibiotics and procedures to clean the wound may be necessary to treat the infection.
Tissue Injury
An injury to surrounding tissue may occur during a surgical repair of an umbilical hernia. The most common tissue to injure is the large intestine. The risk of an injury to the bowels during the surgery is rare, according to MedlinePlus. The surgeon will repair an injured bowel before completing the surgery for the hernia.
