info@northernsurgicalcare.com.au
Advanced minimally invasive restoration of abdominal wall structural integrity, eliminating umbilical bulges and correcting rectus muscle separation simultaneously.
An umbilical hernia is a physical structural defect occurring when internal tissue or a loop of intestine protrudes through a localized weakness in the abdominal muscle wall surrounding the navel. While frequently managed as an isolated defect, adult umbilical hernias in both male and female patients are regularly underpinned by a wider structural failure of the midline connective tissues, clinically known as divarication of the recti (diastasis recti).
At Northern Surgical Care, accredited Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon Dr Ashok Gunawardene (FRACS, PhD) specializes in advanced abdominal wall reconstructions. Utilising state-of-the-art e-TEP (Enhanced View Totally Extraperitoneal) keyhole techniques, Dr Ashok provides a comprehensive solution that repairs the belly button hernia and reconstructs split abdominal muscles through minimal incisions across Melbourne’s northern and western regions.
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Adult umbilical hernias are mechanical defects that cannot self-heal and progressively enlarge over time. If your hernia becomes locked in place (incarcerated), or if you experience sudden, severe localized pain, skin discoloration (redness or purple changes), nausea, or vomiting, this indicates a surgical emergency (strangulation). Immediate emergency intervention is required to prevent tissue damage.
✓ Priority Triage for Symptomatic/Painful Hernias
✓ WorkCover Claims: 100% Covered ($0 Out-of-Pocket Gap)
✓ Private Health Insured: Surgeon Fee Capped at $500 Gap
Many patients present with a visible bulge at the belly button but are unaware that the underlying cause is a systemic widening of the linea alba—the central connective tissue band separating the left and right “six-pack” muscles (rectus abdominis). This muscle separation is known as divarication of the recti or diastasis recti.
When the abdominal midline separates due to chronic internal pressure, pregnancy, or rapid weight variance, the umbilical ring loses its lateral muscular support. This structural failure often results in an umbilical hernia. Attempting to repair a belly button hernia without addressing an accompanying rectus divarication carries an exceptionally high rate of surgical recurrence, as the surrounding tissues remain weak and separated.
Historically, repairing both an umbilical hernia and severe rectus divarication required either an open surgical approach involving a large vertical incision or an extensive cosmetic abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Alternatively, standard keyhole surgeries (laparoscopic IPOM repairs) required placing a synthetic mesh inside the abdominal cavity directly against the bowels, introducing long-term risks of internal adhesions.
The e-TEP (Enhanced View Totally Extraperitoneal) technique circumvents these historical complications by utilising an advanced anatomical space within the abdominal wall itself.
The synthetic mesh is placed entirely outside the peritoneal cavity, eliminating the risk of bowel adhesions or mesh erosion into internal organs.
By avoiding trans-abdominal tacks and minimizing tension across the tissue layers, patient comfort is significantly higher than traditional repairs.
Re-approximating the split rectus muscles restores functional intra-abdominal pressure, improving posture, trunk stability, and back comfort.
Accessing cutting-edge surgical care doesn’t require traveling into inner-city medical centers. Dr Ashok Gunawardene carries out advanced minimally invasive e-TEP reconstructions inside advanced private operating suites located across Melbourne’s northern and western corridors:
All pre-operative planning diagnostics, specialist referrals, and post-operative surgical reviews are managed closer to home at your local consulting location, ensuring a smooth and stress-free care experience.
Northern Surgical Care maintains strict billing policies so you are fully informed of all out-of-pocket costs prior to booking your procedure.
If your umbilical hernia was caused or aggravated by workplace duties (such as heavy lifting or manual handling), our clinic accepts approved WorkCover claims. To support your recovery, Northern Surgical Care bills your insurer directly, resulting in zero out-of-pocket gap fees for your procedure.
For private health insured patients, Dr Ashok Gunawardene participates in Known Gap arrangements with major Australian health funds. For eligible hernia procedures, your total surgeon’s out-of-pocket gap fee is strictly capped at **$500**, eliminating unexpected medical bills.
Our centralized intake team handles GP, WorkCover, and private specialist referrals rapidly. Contact our staff to secure your appointment at the consulting location closest to you.
Yes. Standard open repairs only suture the localised hernia hole, which leaves the wider muscle separation unaddressed. By utilising the e-TEP technique, Dr Ashok reconstructs the entire midline muscle separation and fixes the hernia simultaneously through the same keyhole access points.
Because the surgery is minimally invasive and stays outside the peritoneal cavity, post-operative recovery is accelerated. Most patients return to light office duties within 1 to 2 weeks. Heavy lifting, core exercises, and manual lifting roles are restricted for 6 weeks to ensure the repaired tissues heal securely.
Yes. In an e-TEP repair, the biomechanical mesh is placed in the sublay position within the muscle wall layers. This layer completely isolates the mesh from your internal organs and bowel, preventing internal adhesions and significantly reducing long-term complication risks.