Overview
An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine, fatty tissue, or fluid protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles at the navel. It is one of the most common types of hernia, affecting both adults and children. In infants, small umbilical hernias often resolve spontaneously by the age of 3 to 4 years. In adults, umbilical hernias do not resolve on their own and typically enlarge over time, particularly in individuals who are overweight, pregnant, or have chronically elevated intra-abdominal pressure. Surgery is recommended for symptomatic hernias, those that are enlarging, or those at risk of incarceration.
The Procedure
At ILS Hospitals, umbilical hernia repair is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia as a short-stay or day-care procedure. Small umbilical hernias in adults may be repaired primarily by closing the defect with sutures alone. Larger defects are repaired using a synthetic mesh to reinforce the repair and significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. The mesh may be placed in different anatomical planes depending on the hernia’s size and the surgeon’s preference. A laparoscopic approach may be used for larger or recurrent hernias, offering the benefits of smaller incisions and faster recovery. In children, the procedure involves simple closure of the defect without mesh.
Recovery
Recovery following umbilical hernia repair is generally straightforward. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 2 to 4 weeks following surgery. Mild swelling and tenderness around the umbilicus are normal and resolve within a few weeks. Most patients return to light activity within a few days and full activity within 3 to 4 weeks. At ILS Hospitals, our surgical team combines technical precision with genuine patient-centred care, ensuring that every hernia repair is performed to the highest standard, with comprehensive pre-operative counselling and thorough post-operative follow-up to maximise outcomes and minimise recurrence.
