Hernia repair
Umbilical (navel) hernia repair
A swelling at or around the belly button, where the abdominal wall is naturally weaker. Repaired with mesh where the defect warrants it.
In plain language
What this operation is
The navel is a natural weak point in the abdominal wall — it is where the umbilical cord passed through before birth. An umbilical hernia is a gap at or near that point, through which tissue pushes out.
It shows as a swelling at the belly button that becomes more obvious on standing, coughing or straining. It is common in adults after pregnancy, with long-standing weight gain, or with conditions that raise pressure inside the abdomen.
Small umbilical hernias in infants often close on their own. In adults they do not.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A swelling at or beside the navel that becomes more obvious on straining
- Discomfort, aching or tenderness over the area
- A hernia that is enlarging over time
- A defect large enough that the contents cannot easily be pushed back
And when it is not. A very small, symptom-free umbilical hernia in an adult may be observed. In children, small umbilical hernias frequently close without any operation.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
-
01
Examination
Usually diagnosed by examination. Imaging is used where the size of the defect or its contents need clarifying.
-
02
Planning the repair
Small defects may be closed directly; larger ones are reinforced with mesh. Keyhole is used where suitable.
-
03
The operation
Under general anaesthesia. The contents are returned and the defect closed and reinforced.
-
04
Afterwards
Wound-care guidance, activity restrictions, and a follow-up appointment.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Most people go home the same day or the next.
- Some swelling and bruising around the navel is expected in the first days.
- Straining and heavy lifting are restricted for a period given at discharge.
- The navel may look different afterwards, particularly where the hernia was large.
When to go to hospital instead
A swelling that becomes hard, tender and cannot be pushed back — especially with vomiting — needs the same-day hospital assessment.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 My baby has an umbilical hernia. Does it need an operation?
Often not. Small umbilical hernias in infants commonly close on their own during the early years. Whether and when to intervene is a decision for assessment, not something to treat with binders or coins over the navel.
Children02 Why did it appear after pregnancy or weight gain?
Both raise pressure inside the abdomen over a sustained period, and the navel is the natural weak point in the abdominal wall. That is why umbilical hernias often become apparent then.
Cause03 Will mesh be used?
It depends on the size of the defect. Small ones can sometimes be closed directly; larger ones are reinforced with mesh, which reduces the chance of recurrence. Which applies to you is discussed before surgery.
MeshNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.