Umbilical Hernia

Overview

Umbilical Hernia occurs when part of the intestine, fat, or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal muscles near the belly button (navel). This creates a visible bulge around the umbilical area.

Umbilical hernias are common in infants and children, but they can also occur in adults. While many cases in babies close naturally over time, adults may require medical treatment or surgery.

At Moolchand Hospital, patients with hernia conditions receive expert evaluation and treatment from experienced general and laparoscopic surgeons. As a trusted multi super speciality hospital in Delhi and a leading hospital in Lajpat Nagar Delhi, Moolchand offers advanced diagnostic facilities and minimally invasive hernia repair procedures.

What is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia develops when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the navel.

Normally, muscles around the umbilical area close after birth. If this closure is incomplete or weak, abdominal tissue may push outward and form a hernia.

Umbilical hernias may become more noticeable when:

• Coughing
  
  

• Crying (in infants)
  
  

• Straining
  
  

• Standing for long periods
  
  

Symptoms

In many cases, an umbilical hernia causes a visible bulge but may not cause pain.

Common symptoms include:

• Soft swelling or bulge near the belly button
  
  

• Discomfort or pain around the navel
  
  

• Swelling that becomes more visible when coughing or straining
  
  

• Pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
  
  

In infants, the bulge may appear when crying or coughing and disappear when relaxed.

Causes

Umbilical hernias occur when abdominal muscles become weak or do not close properly.

Common causes include:

• Incomplete closure of abdominal muscles after birth
  
  

• Increased abdominal pressure
  
  

• Obesity
  
  

• Pregnancy
  
  

• Heavy lifting
  
  

• Chronic coughing
  
  

• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
  
  

In adults, repeated pressure on the abdominal wall often contributes to hernia formation.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing an umbilical hernia:

• Premature birth in infants
  
  

• Obesity
  
  

• Multiple pregnancies
  
  

• Chronic coughing
  
  

• Previous abdominal surgery
  
  

• Heavy physical activity
  
  

Maintaining abdominal muscle health may reduce risk.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose an umbilical hernia through physical examination.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Clinical examination of the abdomen
  
  

• Ultrasound to evaluate the hernia
  
  

• CT scan in complex or large hernias
  
  

At Moolchand Hospital Delhi, advanced imaging facilities help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the patient's age and severity of the hernia.

Observation in Children

In infants, many umbilical hernias close naturally by the age of 3 to 5 years.

Surgical Repair

Surgery may be recommended when:

• The hernia persists beyond childhood
  
  

• The hernia becomes painful
  
  

• The hernia becomes large
  
  

• Complications develop
  
  

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Minimally invasive surgery may be performed using small incisions and specialized instruments to repair the abdominal wall.

Possible Complications

If untreated, an umbilical hernia may lead to complications such as:

• Incarcerated hernia – trapped tissue that cannot be pushed back
  
  

• Strangulated hernia – loss of blood supply to the trapped tissue
  
  

• Severe abdominal pain
  
  

• Intestinal obstruction
  
  

These complications require urgent medical treatment.

Prevention

Although some umbilical hernias cannot be prevented, certain steps may reduce risk:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
  
  

• Avoiding heavy lifting without proper support
  
  

• Managing chronic cough
  
  

• Strengthening abdominal muscles through exercise
  
  

Early treatment helps prevent complications.

Why Choose Moolchand Hospital?

Patients choose Moolchand Hospital Lajpat Nagar for hernia treatment because of:

• Experienced general and laparoscopic surgeons
  
  

• Advanced minimally invasive hernia repair techniques
  
  

• Modern operation theatres and surgical facilities
  
  

• Comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care
  
  

• Multidisciplinary medical support
  
  

• Trusted care at a leading private hospital in Delhi
  
  

The hospital provides personalized treatment plans to ensure safe and effective hernia repair.