Post-Operative Symptoms After Umbilical Hernia Surgery: What to Expect

Symptoms after umbilical hernia surgery?

Hello, doctor.
I have some questions to ask you.
I underwent umbilical hernia surgery due to a 0.6 mm wide hernia (with no small intestine involved).
It has been five days since the surgery.
The surgeon who performed the operation used a modern hernia repair technique (with autologous tissue suturing, without the use of a synthetic mesh).
The surgery involved making an incision below the umbilicus, followed by laparoscopic repair (the surgical description is from the surgeon's website).

Currently, my physical condition is stable; I can eat, have normal bowel movements, and my blood pressure and oxygen levels are normal.
The surgical wound is dry and healing well.
However, I have noticed a few unusual points:
1.
I feel like something is moving inside my abdomen.
For example, when I lie on my left side, I can feel something shifting to the left side of my abdomen, causing the left side to bulge while the right side sinks in.
Is this phenomenon normal? Is it the movement of internal organs? Yesterday, during a follow-up appointment with my surgeon to change the dressing, I felt the contents of my abdomen moving while in a bumpy taxi ride, similar to the sensation of water sloshing in a bag (I hope this analogy is accurate).
I had a ring of fat around my waist before the surgery; could this be fat?
2.
When lying down or eating, I feel tightness around my umbilicus, and when I lie down to sleep, it feels like the area around my umbilicus is being compressed.
3.
The skin around my umbilicus seems less tight and elastic than before; it feels a bit loose (as the skin can be pinched into folds with skin adhesive tape).

I would like to ask the doctor if this type of surgery is considered traditional hernia repair surgery.
Are these symptoms normal, or what actions should I take? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Mr. C, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/08

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery

Based on your description, "making an incision below the navel and then performing a repair using laparoscopy" refers to a minimally invasive laparoscopic repair method.
It is normal for the intestines to move within the abdominal cavity according to body posture.
However, some patients may experience delayed accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to hematoma or seroma, which could result in symptoms similar to what you described.
It is advisable to visit the original surgical hospital for an ultrasound confirmation.
As for the sensation of tightness around the navel and the feeling of pressure near the navel when lying down, this is likely due to the gap in the fascia layer from the internal suturing of the hernia repair, which can create a feeling of tightness in the abdomen.
Over time, you will gradually adapt to this sensation.
The looseness of the skin is due to the previously herniated tissue being pushed back into the abdominal cavity during surgery, resulting in a feeling of skin tension relaxation (similar to the concept of stretch marks in postpartum women).
I hope this information is helpful to you.

Reply Date: 2024/05/08

More Info

After undergoing umbilical hernia surgery, it is common to experience a variety of post-operative symptoms as your body heals. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing several sensations and concerns that are not uncommon after such a procedure. Let's address your specific questions and provide some additional context regarding what to expect after umbilical hernia surgery.

1. Feeling of Movement in the Abdomen: The sensation of something moving inside your abdomen, especially when changing positions, can be attributed to several factors. After surgery, your internal organs may shift slightly as they adjust to the new configuration of your abdominal cavity. This is particularly true if you have a layer of fat in the abdominal area, which can create a feeling of movement when you change positions. It is also possible that you are feeling the normal movement of your intestines, which can be more pronounced after surgery due to the manipulation of tissues during the procedure. As long as you are not experiencing severe pain or other alarming symptoms, this sensation is generally considered normal.

2. Tightness Around the Umbilical Area: The feeling of tightness around your belly button, especially when lying down or after eating, can be due to swelling or inflammation in the area where the surgery was performed. It is also possible that your abdominal muscles are still recovering from the surgery, which can lead to a sensation of tightness or pressure. This is a common experience as the body heals, and it should gradually improve over time. If the tightness becomes painful or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or significant swelling, you should consult your physician.

3. Changes in Skin Elasticity: Post-surgery, it is not unusual for the skin around the surgical site to feel different. The skin may appear less tight or elastic due to the healing process and the trauma of the surgery. Scar tissue can form, which may affect the texture and elasticity of the skin. Over time, as you heal, the appearance and feel of the skin should improve. However, if you notice any unusual changes, such as redness, increased swelling, or discharge from the incision site, it is important to seek medical advice.

Regarding your question about whether your surgery is considered traditional hernia repair, it seems you underwent a laparoscopic approach with suturing of the tissue rather than the placement of a mesh. This method is often referred to as a minimally invasive technique, which is distinct from traditional open surgery that may involve larger incisions and the use of mesh for reinforcement.

In summary, many of the sensations you are experiencing are typical after umbilical hernia surgery. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and maintain communication with your healthcare provider. If you experience any significant changes, such as increased pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out for further evaluation. Healing takes time, and your body will gradually return to its normal state. Following your surgeon's post-operative care instructions, including any restrictions on physical activity, will also aid in your recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Surgery Pain After Umbilical Hernia Repair

After undergoing surgery for an umbilical hernia, experiencing pain in the anus after having a bowel movement can be attributed to several factors. It may be due to irritation or inflammation in the surrounding tissues, changes in bowel habits post-surgery, or even muscle tension...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Post-operative pain in the anus after umbilical hernia surgery is not directly related. It may be due to changes in diet and lifestyle after the surgery, leading to altered bowel habits and resulting in hemorrhoidal inflammation and pain. It is recommended to visit a surgical out...

Post-Surgery Pain After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: What to Know

Hello Doctor: I underwent laparoscopic surgery for an umbilical hernia with a 3 cm defect on August 25, using self-paying staples (14 staples). About 3 to 4 days post-operation, I started experiencing pain in the right abdomen that feels like sharp, pulling pain, making it diffic...

Dr. Chen Bingze reply Surgery
It is possible that some postoperative myofascial pain can be managed conservatively with medication to see if it gradually alleviates.

Post-Surgery Concerns: Is Abdominal Swelling Normal After Umbilical Hernia Repair?

Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery on June 20th to address an umbilical hernia (0.5 cm) caused by childbirth. During my follow-up appointment one week post-surgery, the doctor mentioned that my abdominal wall is thinner and less elastic than average, which may lead to a potential ...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
After umbilical hernia surgery, the lower abdomen will not become larger; this is a subjective feeling. Within one to two months post-surgery, the muscle and fascia layers at the incision site are still healing, and exerting pressure on the abdomen can cause pain. The doctor advi...

Post-Appendectomy: Managing Pain and Redness Around the Belly Button

Hello, Doctor. I underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in early April this year. During this time, I followed the doctor's advice and avoided lifting heavy objects. However, one month later, in May, I started to carry my 15-kilogram son (he missed my hugs too much). On the thi...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
It has been one month post-surgery, and theoretically, it is unlikely to be an issue of wound infection. Since the discomfort clearly arises after activities that involve straining your abdomen, it is necessary to consider the possibility of a tear in the internal muscle fascia l...