Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Novi, MI

A hernia occurs when a section of the intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred. An umbilical hernia usually occurs around the belly button.

Board-certified surgeon Dr. Kolachalam is highly trained at diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from symptoms of a hernia. He will take the time to diagnose your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your unique condition and personal needs. For more information, call our office at (248) 662-4272 in Novi, MI, and schedule a consultation.

What Are the Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia?

• Visible bulge on the abdomen, especially when coughing or straining
• Pain or pressure at the hernia site

What Are My Umbilical Hernia Treatment Options?

• Open hernia repair — An incision is made near the site. Dr. Kolachalam will repair the hernia with mesh or by suturing (sewing) the muscle layer closed.
• Laparoscopic hernia repair — The hernia is repaired with mesh or sutures inserted through instruments placed into small incisions in the abdomen. Da Vinci surgery is Dr. Kolachalam’s preferred technique. He has performed the most hernia repairs in Michigan with the Da Vinci technique.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Hernia Surgery?

Benefits of having the surgery — You can return to your normal activities and in most cases will not have further discomfort.

Risks of not having an operation — Your hernia may cause pain and increase in size. If your intestine becomes squeezed in the hernia pouch, you will have sudden pain, vomiting, and require an immediate operation.

Possible risks include return of the hernia; infection; injury to the bladder, blood vessels, intestines, or nerves; and continued pain at the hernia site.

What to expect before your operation:

Dr. Kolachalam will need these tests first:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Ultrasound

Dr. Kolachalam and your anesthesiologist will discuss:

• Your health history
• Home medications
• pain control options

What to expect on the day of your operation

• You will not eat or drink for six hours before the operation
• Most often, you will take your normal medication with a sip of water.
• You will need someone to drive you home.

What to expect for your recovery

• For a simple repair, you may go home the same day.
• You will need to stay longer for complex repairs.
• Call Dr. Kolachalam if you have severe pain, stomach cramping, chills or a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C), odor or increased drainage from your incision, or no bowel movements for three days