- 7/24 Live Call Center
Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Learn how to treat umbilical hernia in adults safely with surgery, lifestyle changes, and care tips.
Umbilical hernias in adults can be quite uncomfortable. UVA Health says an umbilical hernia occurs when abdominal contents push through a weak spot near the belly button. This can show as a bulge or discomfort around the navel, leading to pain or more serious issues if not treated.
Liv Hospital focuses on patient care for adult umbilical hernias. Symptoms can vary, but timely medical intervention is key to avoid complications. Knowing the treatment options, like surgery, is important for managing the condition well.
Umbilical hernias are common in babies, but adults can get them too. This usually happens because of extra pressure in the belly.
An umbilical hernia happens when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the belly muscles near the belly button. In adults, it often comes from increased belly pressure or weak muscles.
Many things can lead to umbilical hernias in adults. These include:
These factors put extra strain on the belly wall, making umbilical hernias more likely, mainly around the navel.
Umbilical hernias in adults are quite different from those in kids. While many baby hernias close on their own, adult ones usually need medical help.
Adult hernias are often linked to health issues like being overweight or chronic coughing. They also face a higher risk of serious problems, like the hernia getting trapped or cut off.
It’s important to know these differences to get the right treatment.
It’s important for adults to know the signs of umbilical hernias. This is to get the right medical care. These hernias can cause mild discomfort or severe pain.
UVA Health says, “You or your child might have an umbilical hernia if there is swelling or a bulge near the belly button.” Common symptoms include:
These symptoms can change in severity. They might be worse during certain activities or times.
Some umbilical hernia symptoms are a medical emergency. You should get help right away if you have:
| Symptom | Description | Severity |
| Bulge or Swelling | Noticeable swelling near the navel | Mild to Severe |
| Pain or Discomfort | Pain when coughing, lifting, or bending | Mild to Severe |
| Severe Abdominal Pain | Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen | Emergency |
Knowing the symptoms of umbilical hernias is key. It helps in getting the right treatment and avoiding complications.
Adult umbilical hernias come in different forms. Each has its own features and risks. Knowing these differences helps find the best treatment.
These hernias happen when fat bulges through a weak spot near the belly button. They are usually small and might not bother you much. But, they can cause pain and serious problems if ignored.
Paraumbilical hernias happen near the belly button, not through it. They are common in adults and can be painful. Symptoms include swelling and feeling of pressure.
Massive hernias are big and complex. They can trap a lot of intestine or other parts of the belly. This can cause serious problems like the hernia getting stuck or cut off, needing quick medical help.
Non-reducible hernias can’t be pushed back into the belly. They are more likely to get stuck or cut off. Seeing a doctor right away is key to managing these hernias.
| Type of Hernia | Characteristics | Potential Complications |
| Small Fat-Containing | Small, contains fat, may be asymptomatic | Discomfort, possible enlargement |
| Paraumbilical | Occurs near the navel, can cause swelling and pressure | Incarceration, strangulation |
| Massive | Large, involves significant abdominal contents | Severe complications, including incarceration and strangulation |
| Non-Reducible | Cannot be pushed back into the abdomen | High risk of incarceration and strangulation |
To find out if an adult has an umbilical hernia, doctors start with a physical check-up. They might also use imaging studies. This careful method helps make sure the diagnosis is right, which is key for choosing the right treatment.
The first step in finding an umbilical hernia is a physical exam. The doctor will ask the patient to stand or lie down and then cough or strain. This makes the hernia easier to see.
The doctor will then touch the area around the navel to check its size and how tender it is.
The exam might show a bulge or lump near the belly button, which is a sign of an umbilical hernia. The doctor will also check if the hernia can be pushed back into the belly or not. This helps figure out how serious it is and what treatment is needed.
Even with a physical exam, doctors might use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis or to see how bad it is. Ultrasound is a common choice because it’s safe and shows clear pictures of the hernia and nearby tissues.
Other tests like CT scans or MRI might be used if the diagnosis is not clear or if there are complications. These tests can show the size of the hernia, what’s inside it, and any problems like strangulation or incarceration.
Treating umbilical hernias in adults involves both non-surgical and surgical methods. The choice depends on the hernia’s size, symptoms, and the patient’s health.
Not every umbilical hernia needs surgery right away. Small, asymptomatic hernias might just be watched by a doctor. But, if a hernia is big, hurts a lot, or could get worse, surgery is often needed.
Surgery is usually the best choice for hernias that hurt or could get stuck. The decision to manage it conservatively or surgically depends on the patient’s situation.
Several things affect how to treat umbilical hernias in adults. These include:
Knowing these factors helps decide the best treatment plan.
The time it takes to treat umbilical hernias varies. For surgical repair, the process is quick, and recovery is fast. On the other hand, non-surgical management might mean constant monitoring and changes in lifestyle.
It’s important for patients to talk to their doctor about what to expect during treatment.
Managing umbilical hernias without surgery involves watching and waiting, along with making lifestyle changes. These methods work well for people with small, painless hernias. They are also good for those who can’t have surgery because of health issues.
For adults with small hernias that don’t hurt, doctors might suggest waiting and watching. UVA Health says, “If the hernia is small and not causing you pain, your doctor might tell you to watch and wait.” This means seeing a doctor regularly to check if the hernia is getting bigger or causing more problems.
Key aspects of watchful waiting include:
Changing your lifestyle can help with umbilical hernia symptoms. These changes include:
For those with umbilical hernia pain, there are ways to manage it. Doctors might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain.
Additional pain management techniques include:
Knowing when surgery is needed for umbilical hernias is key. Some hernias might not need surgery right away. But, certain signs mean you might need to have surgery.
The size of the hernia matters a lot. Big hernias can cause serious problems and often need to be fixed with surgery. Hernias over 1-2 cm in size are usually fixed with surgery because of the risk of serious issues.
Symptoms are important in deciding if surgery is needed. Adults with ongoing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms like nausea or vomiting might need surgery. These signs can mean the hernia is getting worse and could be life-threatening.
Not getting surgery can lead to serious problems. Fat or part of the intestine might get stuck in the hernia. If the blood supply is cut off, it can cause tissue death, infection, and even death. Surgery can stop these bad outcomes.
Key risks without surgery include:
In short, surgery is needed for umbilical hernias when they’re big, symptoms are bad, or there’s a high risk of serious problems. Knowing these signs is important for the right treatment.
Adults have several options for treating umbilical hernias. The right choice depends on the hernia’s size, the patient’s health, and the surgeon’s skills.
Open repair is a traditional method. The surgeon makes one incision near the hernia to fix the abdominal wall. This method lets the surgeon see and fix the hernia directly.
Benefits of Open Repair:
Laparoscopic repair uses small incisions for a laparoscope and tools. This method is less invasive and offers benefits like less pain and quicker healing.
Key aspects of laparoscopic repair include:
Robotic-assisted surgery is a laparoscopic method with a robotic system. It enhances the surgeon’s skills and offers better visualization, leading to more precise repairs.
Advantages of Robotic-Assisted Surgery:
Each surgical method has its own benefits and drawbacks. The choice depends on the patient’s needs and the hernia’s characteristics.
Considerations for Choosing a Surgical Approach:
| Surgical Approach | Recovery Time | Scarring | Postoperative Pain |
| Open Repair | Longer | More noticeable | Higher |
| Laparoscopic Repair | Shorter | Less noticeable | Lower |
| Robotic-Assisted | Variable | Minimal | Variable |
Today, there are many ways to fix umbilical hernias, from primary suture repair to mesh reinforcement. The right choice depends on the hernia’s size, the patient’s health, and the surgeon’s skills.
Primary suture repair works well for small hernias. It involves stitching the hernia shut. This method is simple and can work for small hernias with little strain.
For bigger or recurring hernias, mesh reinforcement is usually better. This method uses a mesh to support the weak area. It’s great for larger hernias or when the tissue is weak.
Choosing a surgical method is very personal. It depends on the patient’s health, the hernia’s details, and the risks and benefits of each option.
Deciding between primary suture repair and mesh reinforcement should be a team effort. A healthcare professional can give advice based on a detailed review.
Knowing what to expect after umbilical hernia surgery can make recovery easier. Most repairs are done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day. But, following post-operative instructions carefully is key to a smooth recovery.
Right after surgery, you’ll be watched in a recovery area for a few hours. Pain management is a top priority, with meds to ease discomfort. It’s important to have someone with you when you go home and stay overnight.
Resting and avoiding hard activities are important in the first days. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry helps avoid infection. Your doctor will give you specific wound care instructions.
Managing pain is a big part of getting better. Your doctor will give you pain relief medication. It’s important to take it as directed and not take more than you’re supposed to.
Using cold compresses can also help with swelling and pain. If you have any concerns or severe pain, talk to your doctor.
After surgery, avoid heavy lifting, bending, or hard activities for weeks. Slowly start doing more as your doctor advises. This helps your recovery go smoothly.
Most people can get back to normal in a few weeks. But, how long it takes can depend on your health and the surgery’s complexity.
Follow-up visits are important to check on healing and remove stitches or staples. Your doctor will set these up based on how you’re doing.
Going to all your follow-up appointments is key. It helps catch any problems early and get them fixed quickly.
After surgery for an umbilical hernia, it’s important to prevent it from coming back. Conditions like pregnancy and obesity can raise the risk. By making lifestyle changes and doing exercises, you can lower your risk of another hernia.
Changing your lifestyle can help prevent another hernia. Keeping a healthy weight is key, as extra weight strains the abdominal wall. Also, avoid heavy lifting and bending to reduce muscle pressure.
Quitting smoking is good too, as it helps healing and lowers complication risks. Eating a diet full of fiber can also help, as it prevents constipation and muscle strain.
Doing core strengthening exercises supports the abdominal wall and lowers hernia risk. Focus on exercises like planks and pelvic tilts. Start with easy exercises and slowly get harder to avoid muscle strain.
Managing your weight is key to preventing hernia recurrence. A balanced diet and regular exercise help reduce abdominal wall strain. Aim for slow weight loss and add physical activity to your day for a healthy weight.
By using these strategies, you can lower your risk of another hernia and keep your abdomen healthy.
Treating umbilical hernias in adults needs a detailed plan. This includes getting a proper diagnosis and choosing the right treatment. Surgery is often the best choice, mainly for hernias that can’t be pushed back, cause symptoms, or get bigger.
It’s key to get medical help early to avoid serious problems and get better results. There are different surgery types, like open and laparoscopic. The right one depends on the patient’s situation.
Handling umbilical hernias well can stop symptoms and prevent future issues. Knowing about treatment options helps people make smart choices for their health.
For adults with umbilical hernias, getting a treatment plan that fits them is important. This approach leads to better health outcomes for everyone.
Symptoms include swelling or a bulge near the belly button. You might also feel pain or discomfort, which gets worse when you cough, lift, or bend over.
Doctors usually start with a physical exam. Sometimes, they use imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options vary. They can range from watching the hernia and making lifestyle changes to surgery. This depends on the hernia’s size, symptoms, and your overall health.
Surgery is often needed for larger hernias or those causing a lot of symptoms. It’s also recommended if there’s a risk of serious complications like incarceration or strangulation.
There are several surgical methods. These include open surgery, laparoscopic repair, and robotic-assisted surgery. Each has its own benefits and possible drawbacks.
To prevent recurrence, keep a healthy weight. Do core strengthening exercises. Also, avoid heavy lifting or bending.
Recovery starts with immediate post-operative care. You’ll need to manage pain and gradually return to normal activities. Follow-up care is also important for a smooth recovery.
Sometimes, small hernias can be managed without surgery. This might involve watchful waiting and lifestyle changes. But, if symptoms get worse, surgery might be needed.
Not treating a hernia can lead to serious complications. These include incarceration or strangulation, which are emergencies that need immediate medical attention.
Recovery time varies. It depends on the individual and the surgery type. But, most people can get back to normal activities within a few weeks.
Pietrangelo, A. (2024). Managing weight loss after gallbladder removal. Medical News Today. Retrieved from
