On average, the cost to repair an umbilical hernia depends on where the procedure is conducted, the severity of the hernia, and the individual’s insurance coverage. In the United States, the cost can range anywhere from $800 to $10,000, with the average cost of a laparoscopic hernia repair coming in at around $1,500 to $2,000.
If a person has insurance, the cost of the procedure might be significantly reduced, covering some or all of the cost. Additionally, some insurance plans will cover the cost of anesthesia, laboratory fees, and hospital fees separately.
If a person does not have insurance and is paying out of pocket, they can contact the hospital or surgical center to inquire about payment plans or discounts which can lower the total cost.
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Is umbilical hernia surgery worth it?
Umbilical hernia surgery can be beneficial for individuals affected by the condition. It can help them to avoid further hernia-related complications, such as strangulation of the hernia contents, ischemic necrosis, and incarceration.
It also relieves symptoms such as discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the abdominal area. Another benefit of hernia surgery is that it can help to reduce the risk of recurrent hernia formation as a result of weakened abdominal muscles.
Ultimately, the decision to have umbilical hernia surgery should be based on individual preferences and needs and discussed with a qualified medical professional.
Does insurance cover umbilical hernia surgery?
In most cases, insurance will cover umbilical hernia surgery. Generally speaking, Umbilical Hernia Repair is considered a medically necessary procedure, meaning it is deemed medically necessary to remedy an anatomical or functional abnormality that is adversely affecting the patient.
Therefore, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of the procedure either partially or entirely depending on the plan specifics and the particular medical situation. Nonetheless, it is important to note that each insurance plan is different, so coverage for this procedure may differ depending on the specifics of a person’s health insurance plan.
Furthermore, it is also important to check with the insurance provider before scheduling an appointment in order to understand what is and what is not covered under the particular plan.
What happens if I don’t fix my umbilical hernia?
If you don’t fix your umbilical hernia, it can become more painful, making it difficult and uncomfortable to move or engage in physical activity. Additionally, long-term complications from an untreated umbilical hernia may include infection, tissue death, and intestinal obstruction.
You may also begin to experience gastric reflux, pain, or an inability to control gas and bowel movements. In rare cases, an untreated umbilical hernia can cause the tissue around the hernia to become strangulated, leading to a potential infection in the stomach cavity, which could be life-threatening.
Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have an umbilical hernia so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated.
What size of umbilical hernia needs surgery?
The size of an umbilical hernia that requires surgical repair depends on several factors, including the size of the hernia, the individual’s age and general health, and any symptoms the patient is experiencing.
Smaller hernias, which usually do not cause any symptoms, can often be managed with watchful waiting. However, hernias that have become larger in size, are tender or cause significant pain can be more concerning and require surgical repair.
For children under the age of two, hernias of any size generally require surgical repair. Surgery often consists of a herniorrhaphy, which creates a new opening in the tissues around the umbilicus (belly button) through which the hernia can be pushed back into the abdomen.
This is then secured by suturing the opening. In some cases, a hernia ring (mesh patch) may also be used to help reinforce the repair. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to repair an umbilical hernia will be made by a physician, taking into account all of the patient’s individual factors and needs.
At what age should umbilical hernia be repaired?
The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that umbilical hernias should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent long-term complications. Although there is no set age at which umbilical hernias must be repaired, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that it be done before the age of 1.
This is due to the fact that umbilical hernias tend to become significantly larger in infancy, making them more difficult to repair later in life. In infants, a hernia can usually be repaired with a simple outpatient procedure that only requires local anesthesia.
However, it is important to speak with your pediatrician to discuss the best course of action for your child’s individual needs.
Can you live with umbilical hernia without surgery?
Yes, in some cases, it is possible to live with an umbilical hernia without surgery. Umbilical hernias are typically harmless and in most cases do not cause any symptoms or problems. If the umbilical hernia is not causing any pain or discomfort, it may be possible to live with it without having surgery.
An umbilical hernia will usually go away on its own by the time a baby turns one year old. However, if the hernia persists after that age, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery may also be recommended if the hernia is causing any pain or compromising the person’s health.
Depending on the size and severity of the hernia, a doctor may advise a watch-and-wait approach to determine if the hernia is growing or changing. In any case, if it is decided to live with a hernia without surgery, regular checkups should be done to monitor any changes.
Is a hernia surgery covered by insurance?
Hernia surgery is usually covered by insurance plans, but it is important to check with your specific plan to be sure. Generally, hernia repair is considered to be a medically necessary procedure, which means that it is covered by most health insurance plans, as long as you meet the plan’s criteria.
In most cases, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements and provide documentation that supports your need for hernia repair. In addition, some plans may also require pre-authorization before they will cover the procedure.
Be sure to contact your plan provider to find out if hernia repair is a covered benefit.
Is it normal to have pain 3 weeks after hernia surgery?
Yes, it is normal to have pain 3 weeks after hernia surgery. While the majority of people will experience some discomfort for a few days afterward, including soreness at the incision site, persistent pain beyond this time frame can occur.
Depending on the type and complexity of hernia surgery performed, some people experience lingering pain for several weeks and in some cases, even months. If pain persists at 3 weeks after hernia surgery, it is important to consult with your surgeon for an evaluation and further treatment if necessary.
Why is my hernia repair still hurting?
It is very common to experience post-surgical discomfort following a hernia repair procedure. Even though the initial incision is typically small, the healing process can be uncomfortable and can take several weeks.
Depending on the type of reconstructive surgery or the hernia repair procedure that was performed, the amount of pain and healing time may vary. In some cases, the healing process can take up to 8 weeks or more, and some people may experience minor complications during this time as well.
In addition to pain, other common hernia repair symptoms include swelling, localized soreness, stiffness, and bruising. During the healing phase, it is important to follow any post-surgery instructions given by your doctor.
This may include resting and avoiding strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects. It may also be important to keep the incision area clean and dry to avoid infection, and you may need to change the dressing on the wound regularly to ensure that it is healing properly.
If after following your doctor’s instructions, your hernia repair still hurts, it is important to let your doctor know. Depending on the type of hernia repair that was performed, some long-term discomfort can be expected.
However, it may be necessary for your doctor to adjust your treatment plan or give you additional pain medications or wound care instructions. It is also possible that a hernia repair complication, such as infection or hernia recurrence, may be causing your pain.
Therefore, if you are still experiencing pain and discomfort several weeks after your hernia repair, it is important to speak to your doctor about it.
