Umbilical (Belly-Button) Hernia — Symptoms & Treatment in Lucknow
An umbilical hernia appears as a bulge at or near the belly button, where there is a natural weak point in the abdominal wall. While umbilical hernias often resolve on their own in young children, in adults they do not — and they tend to enlarge gradually.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma repairs umbilical and paraumbilical hernias in Lucknow with durable mesh techniques, by keyhole or open surgery as appropriate.
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall at or beside the navel. It is common and usually painless at first, presenting as a soft bulge that may enlarge over time or become more noticeable when coughing, lifting or straining.
In adults, umbilical hernias are more common in those who are overweight, who have had several pregnancies, or who have conditions that raise pressure inside the abdomen. Surgery is recommended once the hernia causes symptoms or is enlarging.
Symptoms to watch for
- A soft bulge at or near the belly button
- Discomfort or aching, worse on lifting, coughing or straining
- A bulge that becomes more obvious on standing and may flatten on lying down
- Sudden pain with a firm, tender, irreducible bulge — a surgical emergency
Causes & risk factors
- A natural weakness at the umbilicus
- Being overweight and raised intra-abdominal pressure
- Multiple or recent pregnancies
- Chronic cough, constipation or straining
- Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) in some patients
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical examination
- Ultrasound to confirm small hernias or assess the contents
- CT scan for large or complex defects
How an umbilical hernia is treated
In adults, an umbilical hernia is repaired surgically, usually with a mesh to reinforce the repair and reduce the chance of recurrence. Smaller hernias may be repaired through a small incision near the navel; larger ones are often best repaired laparoscopically.
Dr Verma will recommend the most appropriate technique based on the size of the defect and your individual situation, and address any contributing factors such as weight where relevant.
When to see a GI surgeon
- A new or enlarging bulge at the belly button
- Discomfort or pain at the navel
- Sudden severe pain with a hard, irreducible bulge — seek emergency care
Umbilical Hernia: common questions
Do all umbilical hernias need surgery?
In adults, umbilical hernias do not resolve on their own and are usually repaired once they cause symptoms or are enlarging, because they tend to grow and carry a small risk of complications. A small, symptom-free hernia may sometimes be monitored — Dr Verma will advise honestly.
Is mesh used for umbilical hernia repair?
For most adult umbilical hernias, a mesh repair gives a stronger, more durable result and a lower chance of the hernia returning than stitches alone. Very small defects may occasionally be repaired without mesh; this is decided case by case.
Concerned about umbilical hernia?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.