Umbilical Hernia Repair

I'm planning on having my umbilical hernia repaired in the coming weeks. I've read that local anesthesia can be used along with a sedative, if needed. Since I had absolutely no discomfort during my colonoscopy without sedation, I was wondering if I would be able to do without sedation (versed) for my hernia surgery. Does anyone have any experience in with this type of procedure? I plan on fully discussing this with my doctor, of course, but just thought I'd ask you for your thoughts first.

If you are a cooperative patient you may well have the procedure done with local anesthesia, possibly an epidural block depending on its size, and no sedative.

Once underway, the surgeon may reserve the right to use whatever anesthetic or sedatives he feels necessary, regardless of what you have in your informed consent. If you do not agree to that, he may have a clause stating he may abort the procedure and close you up if if feels other drugs that you don't agree with need to be used.

Hernias are not fun. I had an inguinal hernia repaired in 2008.

Hey guy, they cut when the do hernias. Try cutting your finger with a very sharp knife through the dermis to the muscle facia. Also when there is a guy with a knife, you want to be very still

Talk it over and good luck to you.

Hey Sammy, I had an umbilical hernia repaired in 2007. They cut you in your belly button (hence umbilical) and then they insert a tube and repair the hernia using a patch. The repair job can be extremely painful depending upon how severe your hernia is mangled. You will totally have to be completely knocked out for this surgery. Unless of course you're into extreme pain. Extreme as in like having your nuts whacked with a hammer 100 times. That would hurt !!! My surgery only took 25 minutes. I went to surgery at 7:30pm and woke up in recovery room at 8:25pm. I couldn't believe it was over with so quickly. However, I was sore afterwards for about a week on pain killers. 2 months to fully recover. Hope that helps!

Update:

Well, I had a consultation with the surgeon and he recommended laparoscopic surgery, which will be performed next week, to repair my umbilical hernia. The doctor informed me that the procedure can be painful and, as such, they will be administering general anesthesia.

On a side note, does anyone know if they will shave me? If so, will it be in pre-op, or after I'm under? I know the approach can vary, but perhaps someone can chime in.

I had an umbilical hernia repair about two months ago. It was enormous and disfiguring when I was in a swimming costume. It was laparoscopic surgery so you will not end up with any bragging rights and a large scar. They put some mesh in place to stop it popping out again. The surgeon also warned me that I might feel some pain in the shoulders as they inflate the body cavity to get more working room! I only stayed overnight in hospital but was in pretty severe pain for about a week. But it was worth all the pain!