Umbilical hernia surgery is a small, quick operation to push the bulge back into place and to strengthen the abdominal wall. In most cases, the person receiving surgery will be able to go home on the same day. Surgery involves making an incision at the base of the belly button and pushing either the fatty lump or bowel back into the abdomen. In open surgery, our surgeon will open the site and repair the hernia by using mesh and stitching the muscle together. In laparoscopic surgery or keyhole, surgery, mesh and sutures will be passed through small incisions. Muscle layers are stitched over the weak area in the abdomen wall, fortifying it. Dissolvable stitches or special glue are used to close the wound. The surgeon will sometimes apply a pressure dressing on the hernia, which remains in place for 4 to 5 days. An umbilical hernia operation usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.