Dr. Yuri GoldesHead of the Gastrointestinal Treatment Department
An umbilical hernia not only causes discomfort and limits activity but also poses serious dangers for those who develop this condition. At Top Ihilov Clinic, there is the necessary technical equipment to perform surgical treatment according to the most modern standards of minimally invasive surgery, with the least risk of complications and a short recovery period. Before performing the surgery, high-quality diagnostics are conducted at the clinic, with a reliability level of 100%. During the examination, the extent of the pathology is clarified to choose the most acceptable type of surgery. Accompanying diseases that may affect the course of the surgery or the recovery period are also identified during the examination.
The surgery is considered routine, and surgeons perform many such interventions annually, so they are well acquainted with the techniques and methods of its execution. After the surgery, there are no visible scars, and cosmetic defects are absent.
Reviews of umbilical hernia treatment in Israel speak of excellent organization of the treatment process for foreigners. Diagnostics and treatment proceed according to a pre-arranged plan, patients are provided with translation services, and assistance can also be offered in purchasing airline tickets and renting accommodation. Another reason to choose Top Ihilov Clinic is the cost of umbilical hernia treatment: in Israel, it is significantly lower than in Europe.
Current Treatment Methods
This pathology arises due to the weakening of the abdominal wall, resulting in the protrusion of the small intestine or fatty tissue of the abdominal wall into the hernial sac under the navel. Most often, hernias are diagnosed in infants; however, no specific treatment is undertaken until the age of three, as there is a high probability that the hernia will resolve on its own. In adults, the appearance of the anomaly may be caused by factors such as obesity, heavy physical work, prostate adenoma, multiple pregnancies, and so on.
Regardless of the stage of the disease, adults and children over three years old are subject to mandatory treatment to prevent complications caused by the strangulation of the hernial sac contents. This leads to reduced blood supply to the protruding fragment of the intestine, causing severe pain and tissue necrosis (gangrene), intestinal obstruction, and peritonitis.
Hernia treatment is surgical; the type of surgical intervention is chosen based on the stage of the disease.
Hernia repair. If the defect is minor, the surgeon performs an operation in which the tissues are carefully pushed back into the abdominal cavity through a small incision near the navel. The edges of the umbilical ring are then sewn together to prevent subsequent protrusion of the organs. The operation is classified as uncomplicated, does not take much time, and in some cases is performed even without general anesthesia. However, if the patient has weak connective tissue, there is a risk of recurrence. It should also be noted that the recovery period is quite lengthy: for two to three months, the patient is prohibited from lifting heavy objects and engaging in sports.
Hernia repair with subsequent implantation of a special mesh. This is a more common type of surgery today, as the special mesh implant, which is inserted under the skin, prevents the recurrence of umbilical hernia even in patients with weakened connective tissue of the abdominal wall. Typically, the intervention is performed under general anesthesia. To reduce the hernia and place the mesh, a tissue incision of about 3 cm in length is made, and after eliminating the pathology at the site of the protrusion, the implant – a polymer mesh – is installed. It is sewn to the muscle tissues. The mesh can be implanted either above or below the umbilical ring, depending on the individual disease pattern. After this, the surgical wound is closed.
At Ihilov Clinic, open hernioplasty is performed very rarely, only if the size of the pathology is very large. In other cases, doctors perform laparoscopic surgery: instead of an incision, several punctures are made in the area of the navel, through which the defect is eliminated and the mesh implant is placed. Since damage to healthy tissues is minimal, the risk of significant bleeding and wound infection is reduced.
The laparoscopic method shortens the healing time of the surgical wound and the complete recovery of the patient, and the puncture sites become almost invisible over time. The operation lasts less than one hour. After it, the patient can get up and move the very next day. To reduce pain during the healing of the wound, analgesic medications are prescribed.
Diagnostics
During the diagnostics, doctors clarify the extent of the pathology and determine if there are any contraindications to surgery. Top Ihilov Clinic has its own diagnostic center equipped with all the necessary equipment for conducting modern and 100% accurate diagnostics. Patients arriving from abroad can expect that not a minute of their time will be wasted, and the diagnostics will not drag on for several weeks. The standard duration of the examination is three days for those patients who arrive at a pre-agreed time.
First Day
On the very first day of arrival in the country, the patient arrives at Top Ihilov Clinic and visits the attending physician. The surgeon conducts an examination, studies the medical history, and listens to the patient's complaints. A translator is present at the consultation.
Second Day
Diagnostic procedures are performed. For umbilical hernia, the following types of studies are usually prescribed:
- Complete blood count
- Abdominal ultrasound
- MRI or CT – if complications are suspected.
Third Day
By the third day of the patient's stay in Israel, the diagnostic results are ready. The doctors discuss the most acceptable option for performing the surgery at a consultation and approve the treatment program.
Sometimes patients wish to communicate with the doctor even before they come for treatment – to ask about possible treatment options or to ensure that they will have a trusting relationship with the surgeon, which is important for treatment. For such patients, the clinic provides a Skype consultation service – during it, the patient can ask any questions of interest and hear the doctor's opinion about their case. Such a consultation may also be needed by patients who have decided to undergo treatment in their home country but would like to get an independent expert's opinion on the correctness of the diagnosis and proposed treatment. Patients wishing to receive a Skype consultation can submit a request on the website.
How much does umbilical hernia treatment cost in Israel
The price depends on the stage of the disease and the chosen method of surgery. Many patients note that the cost of umbilical hernia treatment in Israel is significantly lower than in countries that provide the same quality and modern treatment (such as Germany, Austria, the USA). By coming to treat an umbilical hernia at the state clinic Top Ihilov, foreign patients save about 30-50%.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ihilov
- Excellent treatment results, absence of complications and recurrences
- High diagnostic accuracy
- Highly professional abdominal surgeons with many years of experience
- Moderate cost
- No advance payment required
- No visa regime.
Want to get more information about treatment at Top Ihilov? Submit a request on the website, and a consultant will answer your questions by phone.