Conditions/Hernia Disease/Chapter
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.
Key points
- What it isTap for details
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.
- Symptoms and risksTap for details · key note inside
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.
- TreatmentTap for details
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?Tap for details
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
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.