HERNIA / ABDOMINAL WALL · CONDITION GUIDE

Umbilical Hernia

Q: Does an umbilical hernia need to be fixed if it’s not causing pain?

In adults, all umbilical hernias are recommended for repair because the risk of incarceration and strangulation — where the herniated bowel loses its blood supply — is significant. Emergency surgery for strangulation carries much higher risk than elective repair. The operation is simple and recovery is rapid.

Q: Can umbilical hernia repair be done under local anaesthesia?

Small umbilical hernias may be repaired under local anaesthesia as a day-case procedure. Larger hernias with significant hernia sac contents are more safely repaired under general or spinal anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort and adequate access.

Q: Can weight loss help my umbilical hernia?

Weight loss before surgery is recommended for obese patients as it reduces intra-abdominal pressure, improves surgical access, reduces complication risk, and decreases recurrence rates after repair. However, the hernia itself will not resolve with weight loss and surgical repair remains necessary.

A protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring — common in adults with obesity or previous pregnancy, repaired with mesh to prevent recurrence.

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Umbilical Hernia Mesh Repair by Dr. Tagore

Common IN ADULTS & INFANTS

30–60 Min PROCEDURE DURATION

Day Case – 1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through a defect in the umbilical ring. In adults, it is acquired and most commonly associated with obesity, multiple pregnancies, ascites, or heavy physical labour. Most umbilical hernias in adults require surgical repair due to the risk of incarceration and strangulation, which is higher than in inguinal hernias due to the narrow fascial ring. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs laparoscopic and open umbilical hernia repair with mesh at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad. Mesh repair significantly reduces recurrence compared to primary suture closure. Small defects under 1 cm may be closed by suture alone; defects over 1 cm are reinforced with mesh.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Soft, reducible bulge at the umbilicus, more prominent on standing or straining Aching or discomfort at the umbilicus with activity or prolonged standing Inability to reduce the hernia in incarcerated umbilical hernia Tenderness and skin discolouration indicating strangulation — a surgical emergency Cosmetic concern from the umbilical deformity Asymptomatic in small defects discovered incidentally

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Obesity increasing intra-abdominal pressure on the umbilical ring
Multiple pregnancies stretching and weakening the umbilical fascia
Ascites from liver disease or malignancy
Heavy manual labour and chronic straining
Previous umbilical or periumbilical surgery
Age-related weakening of the linea alba at the umbilical ring

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Repair

Mesh reinforcement for defects over 1 cm

Laparoscopic

Preferred for larger defects and obese patients

Risk

Incarceration risk higher than inguinal hernia

Recurrence

Under 5% with mesh repair

Recovery

Day case; return to work in 1–2 weeks

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Mesh Reinforcement Reduces Recurrence

Primary suture closure of umbilical hernias carries a recurrence rate of up to 30–40%. Mesh reinforcement reduces this to under 5%. Dr. Grandhi uses mesh for all defects over 1 cm and for all recurrent umbilical hernias, delivering durable repair and reliable long-term outcomes.

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad

1

Assessment & Hernia Size

Clinical examination defines the defect size and reduces the hernia. Ultrasound or CT is used to assess the hernia sac contents in large hernias. Strangulation features are excluded urgently.
2

Repair Planning

Defects under 1 cm are repaired by primary suture. Defects over 1 cm are reinforced with mesh. Laparoscopic repair is preferred for larger defects and obese patients.
3

Laparoscopic or Open Mesh Repair

Open repair: the hernia sac is reduced, the fascial defect closed, and mesh placed as an overlay or underlay. Laparoscopic repair: intraperitoneal mesh placed through small incisions with wide overlap.
4

Recovery & Weight Management

Most patients are discharged the same day. Light activity resumes within days; heavy work at 4–6 weeks. Long-term weight management reduces recurrence risk.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

TreatmentOptions

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Keyhole intraperitoneal mesh placement for umbilical hernia. Preferred for defects over 2 cm and obese patients.

Hernia Repair (Open)

Open suture closure with mesh reinforcement for umbilical hernia. Standard approach for small to medium defects.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an umbilical hernia need to be fixed if it’s not causing pain?+

Can umbilical hernia repair be done under local anaesthesia?+

Can weight loss help my umbilical hernia?+

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