Dr. Solon Gonçalves Souza Menezes
Professor of Surgery — FAMED UFU · Robotic Surgery Certification (Intuitive / Albert Einstein Hospital) · Practices at Hospital UMC and Hospital Mater Dei Santa Genoveva, Uberlândia, Brazil · +55 (34) 99341-0915
Umbilical hernia occurs when part of the abdominal content — usually preperitoneal fat or a loop of bowel — protrudes through a point of weakness in the abdominal wall at the umbilical ring. In adults, it is usually associated with factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure or weaken the musculature over time, such as obesity, multiple pregnancies, chronic cough, ascites, and prior abdominal surgery in the region. The typical presentation is a visible or palpable bulge near the navel, which may increase with straining, coughing, or standing, and reduce spontaneously when lying down, sometimes accompanied by local discomfort. In some cases, the hernia can become irreducible or incarcerated — when the herniated content becomes trapped and does not return to the cavity — a situation that requires prompt medical evaluation due to the risk of compromised local circulation.
Diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on physical examination, and can be complemented by abdominal wall ultrasound to confirm the size of the defect and the herniated content and to assist surgical planning; in more complex cases or diagnostic doubt, CT may be requested. Unlike in children, where small umbilical hernias can close spontaneously in the first years of life, spontaneous closure does not usually occur in adults, and surgical correction is generally indicated for symptomatic hernias, hernias that increase in size, or those that carry a risk of complication.
Robotic correction is performed through small incisions, through which the surgeon operates with articulated instruments and a magnified three-dimensional view, which can favor more precise dissection of the hernia sac and the umbilical ring. In most cases, the defect is closed with suturing of the musculo-aponeurotic plane and, depending on the size of the hernia and the characteristics of the abdominal wall, reinforced with a mesh positioned to reduce the risk of recurrence — a decision made individually during surgical planning. The minimally invasive approach aims to preserve the appearance of the umbilical region and allow smaller incisions compared to the traditional open technique. Dr. Solon Gonçalves's experience in robotic surgery, with certification through Intuitive in partnership with Albert Einstein Hospital, adds to his role as a professor of surgery at FAMED-UFU, reflecting continuously updated training in abdominal wall repair, always adapted to the size of the hernia and the clinical profile of each patient.
Book a consultationWhat to expect before and after surgery.
Preoperative preparation
Preoperative preparation for robotic umbilical hernia surgery generally includes a detailed clinical evaluation and pre-anesthesia exams, which help identify individual risk factors before the surgical indication. Adjustments to medications that interfere with coagulation are usually recommended — always under medical guidance — along with preoperative fasting according to the anesthesia team's instructions. The extent of preparation and exams requested may vary according to age, health history, and each patient's clinical condition, and are detailed individually at the preoperative consultation.
Recovery and postoperative care
Recovery after robotic umbilical hernia surgery tends to be more comfortable than with the traditional open approach, although the pace of return to activities varies from person to person. In the first few days, mild to moderate discomfort in the umbilical area is common, managed with analgesia, along with instructions on relative rest and dressing care. Return to more intense physical activity and work is usually gradual and is authorized by the medical team according to the progress of each case, generally over a few weeks.
Common questions about this procedure.
What type of anesthesia is used in robotic umbilical hernia surgery?+
Robotic umbilical hernia surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, with an individualized preoperative anesthesia evaluation to check the patient's clinical condition. In specific situations, the anesthesia team may add complementary analgesia techniques, always defined according to each case's profile.
How long does robotic umbilical hernia surgery take?+
Duration usually ranges from about 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the hernia defect, the need for mesh, and the complexity of the case. Smaller hernias tend to be quicker, while larger, recurrent hernias or those combined with other procedures may require more time in the operating room.
Is hospitalization required after robotic umbilical hernia surgery?+
Many cases allow discharge the same day or after one night of hospital observation, but this decision depends on clinical progress, any comorbidities, and the size of the hernia. The most appropriate length of stay is always assessed case by case by the medical team.
What is the preparation like before surgery?+
Preoperative preparation generally involves a clinical consultation, pre-anesthesia exams, and instructions regarding current medications, especially anticoagulants. Preoperative fasting and adjustments to habits, such as smoking, may also be recommended, always individualized according to medical assessment.
How much rest is needed right after surgery?+
In the first few days, relative rest is generally recommended, avoiding physical exertion, heavy lifting, and movements that increase abdominal pressure. The exact rest period varies according to each patient's progress and should follow the instructions given at hospital discharge.
When can the patient drive again?+
Returning to driving generally depends on the absence of significant pain, discontinuing analgesics that impair reflexes, and medical clearance, which usually occurs within a few days to a few weeks. This timeframe may vary according to the type of vehicle, the intensity of discomfort, and individual progress.
When can I resume physical activities and exercise?+
Light activities, such as walking, are usually allowed early on, while higher-impact exercise or abdominal strengthening tends to be resumed gradually, generally over a few weeks. Clearance for more intense activity should be individualized and monitored by the medical team.
How much time off work is usually needed?+
Time off varies according to the type of professional activity: administrative roles or those requiring less physical effort usually allow a quicker return, while jobs requiring intense physical effort may require a longer leave. This is always defined individually by the medical team.
What specific care is needed for the dressing and the umbilical scar?+
In the first few days, it is generally recommended to keep the dressing clean and dry, following instructions on changing it and on when it is appropriate to get the area wet while bathing. Signs such as significant redness, discharge, fever, or increasing pain in the umbilical area should be reported promptly to the medical team.
Is an abdominal binder needed after surgery?+
Use of an abdominal belt or binder may be recommended in some cases, particularly after mesh repairs or larger hernias, for comfort and support of the abdominal wall during initial recovery. The indication, type, and duration of use vary according to the surgical team's assessment.
Can an umbilical hernia come back (recur) even after robotic surgery?+
Yes, as with any hernia repair, there is a possibility of recurrence, although the literature generally describes lower rates when repair is performed with proper technique and, frequently, with mesh. Factors such as obesity, smoking, early physical exertion, and individual characteristics of the abdominal wall can influence this risk, which is discussed individually during the consultation.
What are the main risks and possible complications specific to this surgery?+
In addition to the general anesthetic risks, complications associated with umbilical hernia repair include seroma formation (fluid buildup) in the operated area, hematoma, superficial wound infection, or, more rarely, infection related to the surgical mesh. In larger hernias, with adhesions or intestinal content, there is a risk of bowel injury during release of the hernia sac, which may require conversion to open surgery. Temporary shoulder discomfort, related to the gas used to inflate the abdomen, may also occur in the first hours. Each risk is assessed individually according to the characteristics of the patient and the hernia before the surgical indication.
Hospital facilities in Uberlândia, Brazil.
Hospital Mater Dei Santa Genoveva
Av. Vasconcelos Costa, 967 — Martins, Uberlândia-MG
Open in Google Maps →Content reviewed by Dr. Solon Gonçalves Souza Menezes — CRM-MG 79366, RQE 60355 (GI Surgery), RQE 44656 (General Surgery). Professor of Surgery at FAMED-UFU and Supervisor of the General Surgery Medical Residency Program at HC-UFU. ORCID. Last reviewed: September/2026.
- Alves JR, Spengler LFM, Justino LB, et al. Umbilical and Epigastric Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2024;37:e1807. doi:10.1590/0102-6720202400014e1807
- Rodrigues V, López-Cano M. TARUP technique. Advantages of minimally invasive robot-assisted abdominal wall surgery. Cir Esp. 2021;99(4):302-305. doi:10.1016/j.ciresp.2020.10.008
- Schiano di Visconte M. Robotic inguinal and umbilical hernia repair: clinical outcomes, costs, and future perspectives: a narrative review. J Robot Surg. 2025;19(1):642. doi:10.1007/s11701-025-02841-0
- Appleby PW, Martin TA, Hope WW. Umbilical Hernia Repair: Overview of Approaches and Review of Literature. Surg Clin North Am. 2018;98(3):561-576. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2018.02.001