Umbilical hernia repair: laparoscopic or open repair?

I had open repair for my umbilical hernia about 3 weeks ago. No mesh was used. Dissolvable stitches were used internally, and glue was used for external incision site around belly button. I’ve had no issues during or post surgery so I am pleased with the outcome so far. I started walking the day after surgery for exercise, but I haven’t done any other exercise or heavy lifting. I am going for a follow up visit in 2 weeks.

@invisiblepain2 I have no experience with the laproscopy procedure for a umbilical hernia. Mine was a bi-lateral inguinal hernia. I was given oxycodone pills for pain after the surgery but I never took them and instead only used ice packs and ibuprofen for a week or so. The pain was not as bad as when I had my knee replacement. Thankfully I didn't have any adhesions. I've been living with neuropathy for over 40 years but since it's only numbness and some tingling without pain, I just try and go about life as best I can to maintain mobility.

@drrps3

Thank you so much for your response. What kind of umbilical you had? Was it fat containing? And did you have 24/7 abdominal pain and other symptoms before surgery?

Honestly, I’m not sure if it was fat containing. I believe it happened due to laparoscopic hernia surgery I had about 5 years ago. I had a double inguinal hernia fixed with mesh used. The site where the laparoscopic incision was made was at my belly button, and this umbilical hernia developed right by that site.

This was a smaller umbilical hernia. I did not have 24/7 abdominal pain. I had some pain after a full meal or after abdominal exercises. I also had some pain when I lifted heavier objects. I could have done a wait and see approach, but surgeon said it was smaller so it would be easier to fix now in case of waiting if a problem occurred. I also had it fixed now for economical reasons. I was at my maximum out of pocket expense on my health plan so there was no out of pocket cost for me to do it this year.

@invisiblepain2

I have peripheral neuropathy in my lower legs. It's not really painful, just numbness and tightness. I'm wondering how hernia repair could result in new neuropathy which is what I inferred from your comment would happen.

I have not had mine repaired as I have not had anyone tell me that it's necessary at this time. Since it's not painful I'm not sure what needs to happen that would require repair.

@johnbishop

I see. Did they use dissolvable sutures internally?

@drrps3

Did your doctor suggest the open repair over laparoscopic?

@bajjerfan

I’ve heard that it could happen especially in inguinal hernia.

@invisiblepain2 I think so. The stitches on the outside were all dissolvable and I didn't any additional scar tissue from the surgery.

@invisiblepain2
Yes