Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Hernia Disease — Umbilical Hernia
A bulge at the navel — growth, pain, and incarceration risk guide surgery
An umbilical hernia is protrusion through the umbilical ring. In adults, enlargement, pain, and incarceration risk usually decide repair. Technique depends on defect size, soft-tissue quality, and prior surgery.
Outcomes of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. Please seek a detailed consultation with your physician before any procedure.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Umbilical hernia.
Key points
What it is
Abdominal contents push through a weakness at the umbilicus. Pregnancy, overweight, ascites, and chronic straining can enlarge the defect. Small childhood hernias differ from adult enlarging defects.
- Key note inside
Symptoms and risks
A navel bulge, discomfort with standing or lifting, and skin irritation can occur. Larger or irreducible hernias raise incarceration risk. Sudden pain with an irreducible bulge needs urgent care.
Treatment
Adult symptomatic or enlarging umbilical hernias are usually repaired. Small defects may be closed primarily; larger ones often need mesh. Laparoscopic or robotic approaches suit selected larger or recurrent defects.
Frequently asked questions
Do all umbilical hernias need mesh?
Not always. Small defects may be closed without mesh; larger or recurrent ones often benefit from mesh reinforcement.
More chapters in this hub
Inguinal (Groin) Hernia
Groin bulge, TEP/TAPP/open options, and when to seek urgent care
Incisional Hernia
Scar hernia — CT planning and mesh reconstruction
Ventral Hernia & IPOM
Anterior abdominal wall hernias and laparoscopic IPOM repair
Hiatal Hernia
Stomach in the chest — reflux and anti-reflux repair
Balloonless TEP Hernia Repair
Total extraperitoneal repair without balloon dissection
Hernia Surgery Methods
Open, TEP, and TAPP — how surgeons choose an approach
Robotic Hernia Repair
Robotic hernia repair: what the procedure aims to do and who it fits
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.