Bellybutton Care After Hernia Surgery: Preventing Infection

If your bellybutton leaks after hernia surgery, proper cleaning prevents infection:

Cleaning Procedure

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Prepare sterile saline: ¼ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water (or use commercial sterile saline)
3. Moisten cotton swab/gauze with saline
4. Gently clean inside bellybutton removing discharge/crust—no scrubbing
5. Pat dry with clean, dry gauze/swab
6. Apply sterile dressing if drainage continues (non-adherent type)
7. Change dressing daily (or more if soiled)

Infection Warning Signs

• Increased redness/swelling
• Worsening pain
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Fever/chills

Contact your surgeon immediately if any signs appear. Always follow your surgeon's specific post-op instructions—they supersede general guidance.