An abnormal bulge that can be seen or felt at the umbilicus (belly button), umbilical hernias occur when a portion of the intestine, lining of the abdomen, or fluid from the abdomen pushes through the muscle of the abdominal wall. Umbilical hernias most often occur in newborns and 90% will close naturally by the time the child turns 5 years old.¹

Did you know: Unlike most hernias which develop in adolescence or adulthood, 20% of babies are born with umbilical hernias?¹

Umbilical hernias may appear as a bulge or swelling near the belly button that becomes more noticeable when you or your baby cries, coughs, or strains.

These may signify a serious condition called ‘strangulation’ where an obstruction of your intestines can cut off blood flow causing intestinal or bowel tissue to die, which can lead to emergency surgery.

While umbilical hernias in adults are fairly uncommon (only 2% of the adult population show occurrences),³ it is possible for an umbilical hernia to appear during adulthood. Contributing factors may include chronic health conditions that raise abdominal pressure, including: 

• Carrying excessive belly fluid (ascites) 
• Multiple pregnancies
• Chronic cough
• Repetitive vomiting
• Obesity
• Straining during urination, bowel movements, childbirth, weightlifting
• Prior abdominal surgery
  
  

Most umbilical hernias in babies close by the time a child turns 5 years old. Your child’s doctor may even be able to push the bulge back in during a physical exam. For children, surgery is typically reserved for umbilical hernias that:

• Are painful
• Are larger than 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch (1-2 centimeters) in diameter and don’t decrease in size over the first 2 years
• Don’t disappear by age 5
• Become strangulated

Specific treatment for an umbilical hernia will be determined by your doctor and depends on many factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the size of your hernia, and your general health. For adults, surgery is typically recommended to avoid possible complications—especially if the umbilical hernia becomes painful or gets bigger.⁴ However, if your umbilical hernia is small-to-moderate in size, your doctor may recommend you ‘watch and wait’ where your condition will be monitored to see if symptoms progress.
 

There are two primary surgical options for treating an umbilical hernia: open and minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery. Surgery to repair an umbilical hernia is performed under general anesthesia.² The appropriate type of surgery may depend on individual patient factors. 

• Open Surgery: As the traditional surgical method, an open surgical procedure involves making a large incision at the base of the belly button. The hernia bulge is returned to its correct position and a mesh is often placed to help strengthen and support the weakened area before closing up the incision.

• Laparoscopic Surgery: A surgeon will use several small, key-hole sized incisions during laparoscopic surgery. Instruments, such as a camera, are then inserted through the incisions to perform the operation.
  
  

If you or your child has symptoms of an umbilical hernia, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible to have it diagnosed and/or treated.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. TThis article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.