An umbilical hernia is a common condition that affects nearly one in six infants, according to Discovery Health. Pediatric and adult patients with this condition develop a mass or protrusion near the navel or belly button. The visible mass appears when a portion of a patient's intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. If the mass can't be reduced by a doctor, umbilical hernia surgery may be necessary to resolve hernia symptoms. Complications following umbilical hernia surgery are rare but should be discussed with a doctor prior to surgery.
Bladder or Bowel Damage
Umbilical hernia surgery can result in bladder or bowel complications in certain patients. Bowel injury is rare, MedlinePlus reports, but it can cause bowel movement difficulties and infection after surgery. Damage to the bladder or urinary tract can lead to constipation or urinary retention problems after surgery. Typically, bladder or bowel damage is immediately detected and repaired during umbilical hernia surgery. If detected after surgery, these complications may require a patient to undergo additional surgery to repair the damage.
Reproductive Organ Injury
A surgeon may inadvertently damage a patient's reproductive organs, such as the testicles or ovaries, during umbilical hernia surgery, Mount Nittany Medical Center says. These complications following surgery are rare and minor if they occur. Reproductive organ damage that occurs during surgery is generally repaired immediately. Significant reproductive organ damage is very rare but can lead to serious medical complications, including infertility or impotence.
Groin or Leg Numbness or Swelling
After surgery, patients can develop sensations of numbness or tingling near the incision site. Affected patients most frequently experience these sensations within the groin or leg. Numbness or tingling are temporary and resolve as a patient begins to heal from surgery. Certain patients can also experience extensive swelling at the incision site, Cigna reports. The swollen body region can appear red or inflamed and may be tender to the touch. Persistent groin or leg discomfort should be discussed with a medical professional.
Recurrent Hernia
Patients who undergo umbilical hernia surgery are at an increased risk of developing another hernia, Mount Nittany Medical Center warns. Fat or tissue from within the abdomen can press through the weakened abdominal region at the incision site. Additional surgery may be necessary to address this complication.
Bleeding or Infection
Bleeding or infection complications can occur in certain people following umbilical surgery, Cigna says. Though these complications are rare, affected patients may develop fever, increased pain or abdominal swelling. Such symptoms require additional medical evaluation and should be reported to a doctor immediately.
