Symptoms of an umbilical hernia
Many babies are born with an umbilical hernia.
Usually, the only symptom is a soft swelling or lump coming out of the belly button.
In babies and children, umbilical hernias can range in size, from small, around the size of a pea, to larger lumps, around 2cm across.
In adults, umbilical hernias can range from small (around 1cm in size), to medium (between 1cm and 4cm) and large (bigger than 4cm).
Umbilical hernias are usually painless, though in adults they can sometimes cause discomfort when coughing or straining.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you think you or your child has an umbilical hernia
- you have a lump that's painful, hard or does not move
- you have a lump that’s getting bigger or does not go away
Causes of an umbilical hernia
Umbilical hernias are common in babies and young children. They can happen when the muscles around the umbilical cord (where the belly button is) do not close properly after birth.
Usually, the hernia will go away as the child grows older.
In adults, an umbilical hernia can be caused by:
- living with obesity
- having multiple pregnancies
- having a condition that can cause a build-up of fluid inside your tummy (ascites), such as liver disease
Treatments for an umbilical hernia
Children do not usually need treatment for an umbilical hernia as the hernia will usually disappear by the time they're 5 years old.
Treatment is usually only needed if the hernia is very big or does not disappear.
Surgery is usually recommended for adults as the hernia is unlikely to get better by itself. But if you're unwell due to a condition like liver disease, then you may not be fit enough to have surgery.
Umbilical hernia repair surgery
An umbilical hernia can be treated using a type of surgery called an umbilical hernia repair.
This type of surgery is usually done using general anaesthetic, which means you're asleep while it’s carried out.
During umbilical hernia repair surgery:
- Cuts are made in the skin near the hernia
- The hernia is gently pushed back into place.
- The gap in the muscles is closed by stitching the muscles together. For larger hernias, a surgical mesh may also be attached to the muscles to help hold them in place.
- The cuts in the skin are closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing.
The surgery lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
Like any type of surgery, there is a small risk of complications. These include infection, blood clots and lasting pain. The hernia could also come back.
It usually takes up to 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from an umbilical hernia repair.
You will probably need to stay off work for usually at least 1 to 2 weeks, or up to 6 weeks if your job involves heavy lifting.
Your surgeon can give you more information about the risks and benefits of surgery, and what to expect during your recovery.
Complications of an umbilical hernia
Complications of an umbilical hernia are very rare in children, but can sometimes happen in adults.
The most serious complication of an umbilical hernia is when the blood supply to the bowel becomes blocked (strangulated hernia).
This is a medical emergency as it can lead to serious conditions like sepsis and gangrene. Surgery is needed to repair the hernia as soon as possible if this happens.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
You have an umbilical hernia and:
- you get very bad tummy pain that does not go away
- you feel sick (nausea), are being sick, or are unable to keep any food down
- your hernia is more swollen than usual and the skin around it has changed colour
- you are unable to fart or poo
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.