Small Umbilical Hernias
What it is
An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak point in the abdominal wall at or near the navel, often appearing as a bulge that may be more noticeable when you strain, cough or stand.
Sereva Surgical Clinic assesses selected small umbilical hernias. Whether repair is recommended, and where it should take place, depends on the individual assessment.
Common reasons to seek assessment
- A bulge or swelling at or near the navel
- Discomfort, aching or dragging with activity, lifting or coughing
- A bulge that has become more prominent over time
- Uncertainty about whether the bulge needs treatment
- You have been referred for surgical assessment of a hernia
How it is assessed at Sereva
Dr. Maggisano examines the hernia, including its size and whether it reduces, and reviews your symptoms and health history.
Recommendations depend on your symptoms, the size of the defect, whether the hernia is reducible, your health history, and what the repair would require.
Some hernias are suitable for assessment and planning here; others need hospital-based surgery, and where that applies it is explained and arranged.
Treatment options that may be available
- Surgical assessment and individualized discussion of whether repair is recommended
- Repair of selected small, uncomplicated hernias in suitable candidates
- Referral for hospital-based repair where the hernia or your health history calls for it, including where general anaesthetic is required
- Monitoring with clear guidance on what to watch for, where that is the reasonable course
Which of these applies to you — if any — depends on your individual assessment.
What to expect during treatment
Your assessment appointment focuses on examination and a clear discussion of the options for your particular hernia.
If repair is recommended, what it would involve, where it would take place and what anaesthetic is needed are explained beforehand.
Not every hernia is suitable for treatment in an office setting, and this is discussed honestly.
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery depends on the repair performed and on your individual circumstances, so guidance is given specific to you.
Activity and lifting advice is provided as part of your aftercare instructions.
Follow-up is arranged to review healing, and your referring clinician is kept informed.
Suitability, fees & OHIP coverage
Whether treatment is appropriate, and whether it is covered by OHIP, depends on your diagnosis and on the recommended treatment. Some procedures are insured when they are medically indicated, while many removals performed for benign or appearance-related reasons are uninsured. Where a fee applies, it is explained to you before anything proceeds, so you can decide how you would like to continue.
Contact us
Assessment with Dr. Maggisano is the first step in understanding your options. Get in touch to arrange a visit.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an individualized surgical assessment. Only an in-person consultation can determine what is appropriate for you.