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Umbilical Hernia

DrGanesh DP 2
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Specialist in General Surgery

Condition

Umbilical Hernia In A Nutshell

  • An umbilical hernia is the result of a bulge of intestines or other tissues that protrude through an abdominal weak spot near the belly button.
  • Umbilical hernias occur most commonly in babies and adults alike. However, this condition is often observed in individuals who have undergone multiple pregnancies.
  • A bulge near the navel is a common sign of an umbilical hernia.
  • Lying down or sitting up to cough can make the umbilical hernia more noticeable.
  • Umbilical hernias do not go away on their own and can lead to complications if left untreated. 
  • Hernia repair is recommended if the hernia is painful, has grown larger than larger than half an inch or is showing signs of strangulation.

Table of Contents

What Is An Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or other tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button (navel). This causes a soft bulge that is often noticeable when the baby cries, coughs, or strains.

Most umbilical hernias are harmless and may close on their own, but some cases, especially in adults, require medical evaluation and treatment.

Who is affected?

  • Babies: About 1 in 5 newborns have an umbilical hernia. Most close naturally by age three to four.

  • Adults: More common in women, especially those who are obese, lift heavy objects regularly, have persistent coughs, or have had multiple pregnancies.

What Causes An Umbilical Hernia?

Umbilical hernias occur when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot near the belly button. The causes differ between babies and adults.

In babies:

  • Premature birth

  • Low birth weight

  • Incomplete closure of the abdominal muscles after birth

In adults:

  • Weak abdominal muscles due to previous surgery

  • Obesity or being overweight

  • Multiple pregnancies

  • Persistent coughing or straining

  • Heavy lifting or increased intra-abdominal pressure

Understanding these causes can help identify risk factors early and guide treatment or preventive measures for both umbilical hernia in adults and umbilical hernia in infants.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Umbilical Hernia?

A key sign of an umbilical hernia is a soft bulge or swelling near the navel. This bulge may become more noticeable when laughing, crying, coughing, or straining.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

  • Bulge enlarging beyond 1.25 cm

  • Discolouration or darkening of the bulge

  • Pain or tenderness at the hernia site

  • Vomiting

  • Inability to push the hernia back into the abdomen without discomfort

Recognising these symptoms early can help prevent complications and guide umbilical hernia treatment.

What Should I Eat If I Have An Umbilical Hernia?

While there are no immediate dietary requirements for managing an umbilical hernia, some habits may assist you in preventing your hernia from getting bigger.

They are:

  • Drinking more water. Water and other fluids may prevent constipation and strain during a bowel movement. As a recommendation, drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily would help soften stools and improve bowel movement.
  • Eating high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains may prevent constipation and strain during a bowel movement, thereby aiding you in controlling your hernia’s growth.

How Is An Umbilical Hernia Diagnosed?

During a consultation session, our doctor may be able to diagnose an umbilical hernia through a physical examination. By checking if your hernia can be pushed back into your abdominal cavity, it may also be possible to determine if the umbilical cord is trapped or incarcerated. This is a serious complication as the trapped part of your intestine may not have a sufficient supply of blood.

Should you need further tests to screen for complications, you may be scheduled for an X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, or blood tests to check for infection.

Do Umbilical Hernia Go Away On Their Own?

Umbilical hernias do not always require surgical repair. However, surgery is recommended if the hernia:

  • Is painful
  • Is larger than half an inch
  • Has a reduced blood supply

Umbilical hernias are relatively common in babies. As we know, the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the baby’s abdominal muscles during pregnancy. This gap usually closes immediately after birth.

However, a weak spot may develop in the baby’s abdominal wall if it does not close entirely. The weak spot makes the individual more susceptible to an umbilical hernia.

Umbilical Hernias In Infants

When an umbilical hernia develops at birth, you may notice that the belly button is pushed out. For newborns, the hernia may heal without surgery.

However, our doctor may recommend surgery if:

  • The hernia has not resolved itself by the age of three or four
  • The hernia is painful or has become strangulated

Umbilical Hernias In Adults

Umbilical hernias in adults may be a result of:

  • A previous abdominal surgery
  • Excess fluid in the abdominal cavity
  • Chronic peritoneal dialysis

They are also common among adults who are overweight and women who were recently pregnant. Additionally, women who have had multiple pregnancies are at a greater risk of developing an umbilical hernia.

It is important to note that umbilical hernias in adults are less likely to resolve themselves. They tend to grow larger over time and often require surgical repair.

How Is An Umbilical Hernia Treated?

When treating an umbilical hernia, repair surgery is performed in two different ways. They are either an open repair or laparoscopic repair.

Open hernia repair is a procedure that typically begins with the administration of general anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia takes effect, the doctor makes a single incision near the umbilical area to gain access to the hernia. 

The herniated tissue is then carefully pushed back into the abdominal cavity. To prevent recurrence of the hernia, a synthetic mesh is usually applied to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. After securely positioning the mesh, the doctor stitches the incision back together. Since the open repair involves only a single cut, scarring post-procedure is typically localised. 

The recovery period for this procedure can vary widely, depending on several factors, but on average, patients can resume their normal routines within 3-6 weeks.

Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is a minimally invasive technique performed under general anaesthesia. Unlike the single incision in open surgery, this method involves the doctor making four small incisions around the belly button. 

A laparoscope, a thin instrument with a camera, is introduced through one of these incisions, transmitting images to a monitor and enabling the doctor to visualise the hernia clearly. The other three incisions serve as entry points for slender surgical instruments that manoeuvre the herniated tissue back into the abdominal cavity. 

A synthetic mesh is often inserted to reinforce the weakened area and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. After completing the repair, the doctor closes the small incisions, leaving minimal scarring. Patients generally have a shorter recovery period following laparoscopic repair, often resuming their normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

Recovery After Umbilical Hernia Surgery?

Recovery after umbilical hernia surgery requires careful attention to your body and the surgical site. Here’s what to expect:

  • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain around the incision is normal. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help ease discomfort.

  • Wound care: Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to prevent infection or complications. Keep the area clean and monitor for redness or swelling.

  • Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks. This helps prevent strain on the repaired abdominal wall.

  • Returning to normal movement: Gradually resume daily activities as recommended by your surgeon. Avoid exercises that put direct pressure on the abdomen until cleared.

  • Long-term precautions: Heavy lifting or weightlifting should be avoided until fully healed to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Following these steps supports a safe recovery and helps ensure the success of your umbilical hernia repair.

What Is The Difference Between An Umbilical Hernia And Diastasis Recti?

An umbilical hernia is caused by a hole in the abdominal wall near your belly button that may cause an out-pouching

 or bulge. This usually occurs when a person has too much pressure on their core muscles, such as during pregnancy or being overweight. 

Meanwhile, diastasis recti is caused from weakening of the midline connective tissue, caused by strain during pregnancy or heavy lifting movements while not properly engaging your core muscles. 

If you believe you are experiencing either of these conditions, visit our medical team at G&L Surgical Clinic to determine which disorder you currently have, as well as discuss what treatment options may be available to you.

When Would Robotic Surgery Be Considered For Umbilical Hernia Repair?

Robotic surgery is a safe option that has many advantages when it comes to the repair of umbilical hernias. 

Some of its benefits include:

  • Minimally invasive
  • Reduced discomfort
  • Faster recovery
  • Smaller incision compared to open surgery
  • Greater visibility and control

Additionally, laparoscopic techniques can be employed in order to reduce the risks associated with umbilical hernia repairs. Robotic surgery can be especially beneficial for elderly patients due to its precision and non-invasive nature. However, it is important to stress that robotic surgery should only be considered if traditional laparoscopic techniques prove too difficult or risky for a particular patient’s needs. Ultimately, our team will assess and provide the recommended treatment plan tailored specifically for each individual case.

How Much Does Umbilical Hernia Surgery Cost?

The surgeon’s fee for an umbilical hernia repair in Singapore costs between $3,000 – $4,900 (SF814A/3A), excluding hospital and consumable fees. Final costs depend on hospital choice, complexity of surgery, and insurance coverage. For more details, see our hernia repair costing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

If left untreated, the hernia can increase in size and become strangulated. This disrupts your blood supply, and you will need immediate medical assistance.

You can exercise if you have a hernia; however, certain abdominal exercises may put more pressure on your hernia, which can aggravate it.

Some people with hernias may experience no symptoms or only mild discomfort, while others may experience more severe pain or other symptoms. If left untreated, a hernia can potentially become larger and more uncomfortable. It may also increase the risk of complications such as strangulation, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the protruding organ or tissue is cut off.

In general, strengthening the muscles of the core, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis can help to support the spine and improve overall stability and balance. This can potentially help to reduce the risk of hernias or prevent hernias from worsening. However, certain types of exercises, such as heavy weightlifting or activities that put a strain on the abdominal wall, may not be suitable for people with hernias.

It’s best to sleep on your back and prop yourself up with pillows under your lower back. You can gradually go back to lying flat on your back as you recover.

Why Choose Us For Your Hernia Treatments In Singapore?

In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduced recovery period. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure.

Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.

Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.

Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.