Proper Surgical Treatment of Small and Medium Size Umbilical Hernias. A Single Surgeon Experience

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgical procedures have become routine interventions nowadays and represent an effective therapeutic option even for small umbilical hernias, providing favorable postoperative and aesthetic results.

Aim of study: To determine the most appropriate minimally invasive treatment option for small and medium size umbilical hernias.

Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study on 50 patients with small or medium umbilical hernia (<4 cm). All patients benefited of minimal invasive surgery with mesh implantation. Depending on the surgical procedure, two major groups were defined: group A – patients with open surgical approach (n = 24) and group B – patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery (n = 26). Clinical, surgical, postoperative, and follow-up data were analyzed.

Results: Mesh replacement via open approach through the umbilicus was associated with significantly reduced surgical time (p = 0.0359), administration of painkillers (p = 0.0461), and use of anticoagulants (p = 0.0404). Hospital stays (p = 0.0001) and costs (p = 0.0005) were also significantly lower in this group. After 6 months of follow-up, no recurrence was observed, and no significant differences were detected regarding postoperative pain and the patients’ professional reintegration. Patient satisfaction regarding postoperative scar was superior in the open group.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that the ventral patch technique is a safe and effective method for the treatment of small and medium size umbilical hernias.