Umbilical hernias occur through or around the navel.They are not uncommon in infants where they generally resolve without treatment.
In adults the hernia does not resolve spontaneously and repair is advised, to avoid complications.
If the umbilicus is pushed symmetrically outwards it is referred as an umbilical hernia; and if the umbilicus is distorted into a crescent shape it is a paraumbilical hernia.
This division, whilst intellectually attractive, does not affect the potential for complication or the need for repair.
The complications are the same as any other hernia:
Commonly, this hernia is repaired as an "open operation".This is because the repair may be performed adequately without entering the peritoneal cavity under a "lighter" anesthetic.
However, laparoscopic repair may be advocated in cases of recurrent herniae where the tissues of the umbilical region are scarred. This allows surgery to be performed in a region of relatively undisturbed anatomy.
A special mesh, with a non-adherent coating is employed to minimise the possibility of bowel sticking to the underside of the mesh.
The technique being similar to that of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair