Umbilical and epigastric hernia surgery in Niš
An umbilical hernia is a bulge at the navel, and an epigastric hernia is in the middle of the abdomen above it. The surgeon decides on the operation and anaesthetic after a consultation.
At a glance
- Location
- At and above the navelumbilical and epigastric hernia
- Anaesthetic
- Local, sedation or generaldecided by surgeon and anaesthetist
- Wall closure
- Stitches or meshdepending on hernia size
- First step
- Surgical consultation
Note: This information refers to adults. For each patient the surgeon decides after a consultation.
Facts and description
Umbilical hernia surgery is a procedure in which the surgeon returns the contents of a hernia at the navel and closes the weak spot in the abdominal wall, with mesh if needed. An epigastric hernia forms in the middle of the abdomen above the navel and is operated on in a similar way. At Maja Hospital, Vizantijski bulevar 39 in Niš, the price list includes surgery under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic, and the surgeon decides after a consultation.
All facts
- Procedure
- Returning the hernia contents and closing the weak spot in the abdominal wall, with stitches or mesh
- Umbilical hernia
- A hernia at the navel
- Epigastric hernia
- A hernia in the middle of the abdomen, between the navel and the breastbone
- Anaesthetic
- The price list includes local anaesthetic, sedation and general anaesthetic. The surgeon and anaesthetist decide on the type.
- Hospital stay
- Depends on the size of the hernia and the anaesthetic. The surgeon decides on the length of stay.
- Price
- Depends on the anaesthetic and on whether one or both hernias are operated on. The items are in the price table on this page.
When the operation is usually recommended
- A bulge at or above the navel causes symptoms or pain
- The hernia grows over time
- The hernia appeared or grew after pregnancy or weight loss
- The surgeon decides after a consultation that surgery is needed
Can it be treated without surgery?
- In adults a hernia does not go away on its own
- For a small hernia without symptoms the surgeon sometimes suggests monitoring
- In small children an umbilical hernia is a different condition, assessed by a paediatric surgeon
The path to the operation
Step 1: Surgical consultation
The surgeon examines you and your results and explains whether an operation is needed and which method may be used.
Step 2: Tests and preparation
Tests are done before the operation; with spinal or general anaesthesia you are also seen by an anaesthetist.
Step 3: Admission and consent
The surgeon explains the procedure and possible risks once more, and you sign a consent form.
Step 4: Operation
The surgeon and the team carry out the procedure, under the anaesthetic agreed by the surgeon and the anaesthetist.
Step 5: Monitoring and discharge
You are monitored after the procedure; the surgeon decides on the length of stay and the follow-up date.
Umbilical and epigastric hernia surgery: prices
Price list items and anaesthetic
| Price list item | Anaesthetic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Umbilical hernia surgery | Local anaesthetic | You are awake and the area is numbed |
| Umbilical or epigastric hernia surgery | Sedation | Calming and pain-relief medicines, you breathe on your own |
| Umbilical and epigastric hernia surgery | General anaesthetic | You are asleep, the anaesthetist is in charge |
The surgeon tells you which item applies after a consultation. Prices are in the price table below.
Recovery
- Pain and discomfort around the wound are expected in the first days. The surgeon prescribes pain relief.
- Walking is encouraged from the first days, and daily activities are resumed gradually.
- Keep the wound clean and dry. The surgeon will tell you when you can shower, and when you can take a bath or swim.
- Stitches, unless they are dissolvable, are removed at the follow-up appointment.
- With severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or chest pain, call the emergency service on 194 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Show 3 more: Recovery
- Lifting and heavy physical effort are avoided for as long as the surgeon advises.
- After a general anaesthetic, do not drive for at least 24 hours and have someone with you for the first 24 hours.
- Contact the surgeon if you develop a temperature of 38 °C or higher, redness, pus or heavier bleeding from the wound, pain that gets worse, or nausea and vomiting that do not stop.
How to prepare
- Have the tests that the surgeon and anaesthetist ask for, usually a blood count, biochemistry, clotting tests and an ECG.
- Tell the doctor about allergies and medicines, and do not change blood thinners or diabetes medicines on your own.
- Do not eat or drink before the operation, exactly as instructed by the hospital.
- Stop smoking as early as possible before the operation.
Show 2 more: How to prepare
- Bring your ID card, health insurance card, results, a list of medicines and loose, comfortable clothes.
- Arrange for someone to accompany you and to help at home for the first days after the operation.
When to contact the surgeon or the emergency service
Call the emergency service (194) or go to an emergency department straight away if:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- A hernia becomes hard, painful or tender and does not go back
- Pain with nausea, vomiting, a swollen abdomen and no wind or stools
- High temperature with shivering
Contact the surgeon if after the operation you have:
- A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or shivering
- Redness, warmth, swelling or pus at the wound, or heavier bleeding
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Nausea or vomiting that do not stop
- Pain and swelling in the calf
In detail
What are umbilical and epigastric hernias?
An umbilical hernia forms when part of the abdominal contents, usually fatty tissue, passes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the navel. It is seen as a soft bulge at the navel, which often gets bigger when coughing, straining or standing.
An epigastric hernia forms in the middle of the abdomen, above the navel. It is often small but can be painful.
In adults these hernias do not go away on their own. In babies and small children an umbilical hernia is a different condition, assessed by a paediatric surgeon; this page refers to adults.
How is umbilical hernia surgery done?
Through a cut at the navel or over the hernia, the surgeon returns the hernia contents to the abdominal cavity and closes the weak spot. A smaller hernia is usually closed with stitches, and with a larger hernia the wall is strengthened with mesh. When there are both an umbilical and an epigastric hernia, they can be repaired in the same procedure.
The Maja Hospital price list has three items: umbilical hernia surgery under local anaesthetic, umbilical or epigastric hernia surgery under sedation, and umbilical and epigastric hernia surgery under general anaesthetic. The surgeon and anaesthetist decide which is suitable.
When is urgent assessment needed?
If a hernia at the navel becomes hard, painful or tender and does not go back, if the skin over it turns red or dark, or if severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting appear, do not wait for a booked appointment: call the emergency service on 194 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
How much does umbilical hernia surgery cost in Niš?
At Maja Hospital the price depends on the anaesthetic and on whether only an umbilical or also an epigastric hernia is repaired. All three price list items are in the price table on this page. The surgical consultation and the hospital day are separate items.
What is an epigastric hernia?
An epigastric hernia is a hernia in the middle of the abdomen, between the navel and the breastbone. It is often small but can be painful. It is repaired in a similar way to an umbilical hernia.
Is umbilical hernia surgery done under local anaesthetic?
It can be. The Maja Hospital price list includes umbilical hernia surgery under local anaesthetic, as well as under sedation or general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is not suitable for every hernia. The surgeon and anaesthetist decide on the type.
Is mesh used in umbilical hernia surgery?
A smaller hernia is usually closed with stitches, and with a larger hernia the wall is often strengthened with mesh. The surgeon decides according to the size of the hernia and explains this before the operation.
Can an umbilical hernia go away on its own?
Not in adults. An umbilical hernia in babies and small children is a different condition and is assessed by a paediatric surgeon.
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The information in this text is general in nature and does not replace an examination by a doctor.
Book an appointment: Umbilical and epigastric hernia surgery
Information on this website does not replace a medical examination. Treatment is decided by a doctor after the examination.