What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or abdominal fat protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the navel area (the belly button, where the umbilical cord was attached at birth).
This type of hernia is common in newborns, but it can also occur in adults, especially women after multiple pregnancies or individuals with obesity.
What Causes an Umbilical Hernia?
Most umbilical hernias happen due to increased pressure inside the abdomen combined with a weak abdominal wall.
Common causes include:
In Children:
Delayed closure of the natural opening in the abdominal wall after birth.
In Adults:
Obesity and excess weight
Repeated pregnancies
Frequent heavy lifting
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
Chronic coughing
Chronic constipation
Urinary retention
What Are the Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia?
Visible bulge or swelling in the belly button area, which may increase when coughing, laughing, or standing.
Pain or discomfort, especially during physical activity.
In mild cases:
The hernia may be painless and appear only as a soft bulge.
In complicated cases:
The hernia may become incarcerated, causing:
Severe pain
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin over the hernia (a sign of blood flow restriction)
Nausea or vomiting
How is an Umbilical Hernia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made through:
Clinical examination: The doctor examines the navel area, checks the bulge, and assesses whether it can be pushed back in.
Ultrasound (Sonography): To identify the hernia contents and check for incarceration.
In some cases, the doctor may request a CT scan to assess the size and contents of the hernia in more detail.
How is an Umbilical Hernia Treated?
1. Conservative Management:
In children, many umbilical hernias close on their own by the age of 4 without surgery.
Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for complications.
2. Surgical Treatment:
Surgery is recommended for adults or for children if:
The hernia persists beyond the age of 4.
The hernia size increases significantly.
Symptoms develop, such as pain or incarceration.
Surgical Steps:
The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia depending on the case.
The protruding tissue is returned to its natural position.
The abdominal wall is reinforced by closing the opening with medical sutures.
A surgical mesh may be used to strengthen the area and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Postoperative Care:
Rest and avoid lifting heavy objects for 4–6 weeks.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the abdominal wall.
Follow a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation.
Perform abdominal muscle strengthening exercises after recovery, under medical supervision.
Regular follow-up with your doctor to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
We Care About Your Health
If you are experiencing symptoms of an umbilical hernia or would like to have your condition assessed, do not hesitate to visit our clinic.
Our medical team is ready to provide you with the best care possible.