Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when you develop a hole in the wall of the tummy in or around the belly button. Fat or intestine from inside the tummy can then poke through this hole or weak spot.
Why did I get an umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias are very common. There are many reasons why people develop an umbilical hernia including; increasing age, wear and tear, being overweight and certain medical conditions.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
Some people notice a lump in or near the belly button. Some people report discomfort over the lump. Some people get no symptoms from their hernia.
What are the options for managing hernias?
The options for managing an umbilical hernia include leaving the hernia alone or repairing the hernia with an operation.
What will happen if I leave my hernia alone?
The hernia may stay the same size and not cause any new symptoms. The hernia may get bigger and cause more discomfort. Rarely, some fat or intestine can get stuck in the hernia. This may need an emergency operation to fix.
A hernia will not go away by itself. The only way to get rid of a hernia is with an operation.
What does surgery involve?
Hernias can be repaired with open or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic (where you are asleep).
What is the difference between open surgery and keyhole surgery?
Open surgery: A cut is made over the hernia. The hole in the wall of the tummy wall is closed with stitches. Sometimes a mesh is used to strengthen the hernia repair.
Keyhole or laparoscopic surgery: Three or four small cuts are made on your tummy. A camera, and instruments are then passed through these cuts. The hernia is pulled back into the tummy and a mesh is placed over the hole in the tummy wall.
The type of surgery that you can have will depend on the size of your hernia, if you have had hernia surgery before, your preference and your overall health. Your surgeon will discuss the options available to you.
I’ve heard that my operation might be done with a robot: what does this involve?
If you are having keyhole surgery, your operation may be performed using a surgical robot. This means that surgical instruments (normally held by a surgeon) will be held by a robotic device. Your surgeon will control the movement of these instruments from a computer next to the operating table.
This should not affect your recovery or the success of the operation. Your surgeon will tell you in advance if they plan to do your operation robotically.
What is a mesh?
A mesh is a soft, thin, flexible sheet of plastic. The mesh is stitched into the tummy wall during surgery. The mesh adds strength to the hernia repair and reduces the chance of the hernia coming back in the future. Your body will grow into the mesh, and it will become part of the tummy wall. You should not be aware of the mesh. You should not be able to feel the mesh after surgery.
Why do you use a mesh?
The decision to use a mesh is based on the size of your hernia, if you have had previous hernia surgery and other factors about your general health. Your surgeon will discuss the options available to you.
Is it safe to use mesh?
Yes. Mesh has been used in hernia surgery for over 30 years. Most people do not experience any problems with mesh.
I’ve heard bad stories about mesh in the news. Is it safe?
Most of these news stories have been about using mesh in pelvic floor surgery in women. In some women, the mesh eroded into the vagina or back passage. This caused pain and infection. The mesh in umbilical hernia surgery is placed in a different part of the body (between layers of the tummy wall).
Are there any complications of hernia repair surgery?
Most patients do not have any complications. The following list describes the complications that can happen during or after hernia surgery.
- Damage to a structure inside the tummy - During the procedure there can be an injury to a blood vessel, the bowel or another organ. This is usually noticed during surgery and is fixed at the same time. This is rare.
- Bruising - After the operation, bruising can develop under the cut. This will usually get better in 4 to 6 weeks.
- Fluid collection – Occasionally fluid can collect under the skin of the bellybutton. This will usually get better in 4 to 6 weeks.
- Infection – This is rare. You may need treatment with antibiotics (occurs in 1 in 20 cases).
- Scarring – You will have a scar or scars after the surgery. In most people scars will fade over time.
- Change in appearance or loss of belly button – Your belly button may look different after surgery. Rarely, the belly button is removed altogether.
- Recurrence of hernia – The hernia may come back again in the future. This is rare (occurs in 1 in 20 cases).
Your hernia is more likely to come back if you are overweight, if you are a smoker or if you have poor general health. If your hernia comes back after surgery your symptoms may be worse than they are now. You may need another operation to get rid of this recurrent hernia. Surgery to repair a recurrent hernia can be complex and the chances of a long-term successful outcome are less.
- Chronic pain and numbness – Some discomfort is expected following the procedure. The area around the bellybutton can also feel numb. Rarely, this can last for several months or years.
- Mesh erosion – Mesh can erode through the tummy wall and affect nearby organs such as the intestine. This can cause infection and other serious complications. Sometimes the mesh will need to be removed. This is a rare complication.
- Infection of mesh - This can cause serious problems and will need treatment with antibiotics. The mesh may need to be removed. This is very rare (occurs in approximately 1 in 100 cases).
- Blood clots in legs or lungs - This is rare. Your risk is higher if you are overweight, a smoker, in poor general health, have difficulty walking, or if you have had a previous blood clot.
Can people die having hernia surgery?
Yes, but this is very, very rare. Overall, around one person out of 625 having hernia surgery will die. This is usually due to a post-operative complication. Your risk is higher if you are elderly or in poor health.
Is there anything I can do to improve my health before having surgery?
- It is important to be physically fit before surgery. You are more likely to have a quicker and safer recovery if you have a good level of fitness. We recommend that you continue exercising as long as this does not make your symptoms worse. More advice on improving your health and wellbeing while waiting for surgery can be found athttps://
www. frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/ your-health/ preparing-for-treatment/ - If you are a smoker, you should stop as far in advance of your surgery as possible (at least 6 weeks). Your chances of wound problems and hernia recurrence are higher if you are a smoker. More information can be found at www.
nhs.uk/ better-health/ quit-smoking/ - If you are overweight, you should try and lose weight. Your chances of hernia recurrence are higher if you are overweight. We usually do not offer hernia repair surgery to people who have a BMI higher than 35. More information can be found at www.
nhs.uk/ better-health/ lose-weight/
Information about weight loss services in the area can be found at the following website:
https://
After Your Hernia Repair Operation
When can I go home after my operation?
Most people will go home the same day as their operation.
Will I need to have somebody to look after me at home?
Yes. You need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Many people feel tired and have some discomfort after surgery. It is helpful to have someone available to help with cooking, chores and shopping until you are fully mobile.
What medications will I be sent home with?
You will be sent home with painkillers, anti-sickness medication and laxatives. We will provide instructions on when and how to take these medications.
Will I have pain after my operation?
It is common to get some discomfort in and around the site of surgery. Any discomfort should gradually improve in the days and weeks after your operation. If your pain is not under control you should get in contact with the hospital.
Can I eat and drink normally after the operation?
You can eat and drink normally after your operation. You may experience occasional sickness, bloating and loss of appetite in the first few days after surgery.
What activities can I do immediately after the operation?
It is important to keep mobile after surgery. You should avoid spending long periods of time sitting, lying down or not moving. You can return to normal activities as soon as you feel able. Do this gradually. If you feel sore or uncomfortable, stop and try again after several days.
It is important to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 6 weeks after your operation.
What do I do if I am struggling to open my bowels after the operation?
It is common to get constipated for the first few days after the operation. This is particularly common if you are taking strong painkillers such as codeine or tramadol. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. If you are taking strong painkillers, you should take a regular laxative alongside these. The hospital should send you home with a laxative called Macrogol. If not, you can buy laxatives at your local pharmacy.
What should I do with my wounds?
Most surgeons will cover the cut with a dressing. For the first couple of days, it is common to have slight blood leakage on to the dressing. The dressings are waterproof. You can shower with the dressings on.
If your wound is clean and dry after 4 days, you may have a shower with the dressings off (7 days for a bath). You can buy extra dressings online or at a pharmacy.
Some surgeons will cover wounds with a skin glue. The glue is waterproof so you can shower. Just keep the wounds clean.
How will I know if my wounds are healing properly?
Most wounds heal without problems. It is normal for a wound to feel hard and tender for a few weeks. You should get in contact with the hospital if your wounds became swollen, red, painful or smelly.
Will I need to have any stitches removed?
Most surgeons use skin stitches that do not require removal. We will tell you if you have stiches that need removal.
When will I be able to go back to work?
You can return to work as soon as you feel well enough. This will depend on how you are feeling and the type of work that you do. Most people need two weeks off work.
If you have a job that involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you should contact your employer and ask to return in a role that does not involve these activities.
Please ask us for a fit note (Statement of Fitness for Work) on the day of your operation.
When can I start to drive again?
You should usually avoid driving for at least seven to ten days after your operation. Some people find it takes several weeks before they feel ready to drive.
You must be free from pain and not feel drowsy from painkillers. You must be able to control the car and respond quickly to any situation. You must be able to perform an emergency stop, safely. Driving whilst unfit may invalidate your insurance
Some companies will not insure drivers for a number of weeks after surgery, so it’s important to check your policy. If you hold a Class 2 license to drive a bus, coach or lorry, you will need to agree your return to work with your insurer and your employer
When can I start doing sports or leisure activities?
You can start as soon as you feel ready. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 6 weeks.
Will I be given a hospital appointment after my operation?
Most people will make a straightforward recovery. We do not routinely see patients after a hernia operation.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms after your operation, please contact your surgical team
- If you develop a fever or chills
- Persistent vomiting or nausea
- Increasing abdominal pain or distension
- Increasing pain, redness, swelling or discharge of the wound
- Severe bruising
- If you have difficulty passing urine.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the General surgery service.
About this information
Service:
General surgery
Reference:
Y/063
Approval date:
12 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.