Umbilical hernia repair is surgery to correct an umbilical hernia, a sac of abdominal tissue that protrudes through the umbilicus (belly button).

A hernia is caused when the muscles of the abdomen develop a weak spot, or defect, through which abdominal contents can bulge out, or herniate. The contents of the hernia are contained within a lining called the hernia sac.

The umbilicus, or belly button, is a natural weakness in the abdominal wall where hernias commonly occur. Symptoms include discomfort and a noticeable bulge, which gets bigger when standing or coughing and often disappears when lying down.

General anesthesia is often used for hernia repair, but small hernias may be repaired with local anesthesia. An incision is made under the umbilicus. The hernia sac is identified and separated from the surrounding tissues and pushed back inside the abdominal cavity.

If the hernia defect is very small, it may be closed with strong non-absorbable sutures. If the hernia defect is larger, it should be closed with a piece of synthetic mesh.

Children:

Umbilical hernias are fairly common. Such a hernia is obvious at birth, as it pushes the umbilicus outward. This is more obvious when the infant cries and the increased pressure results in more visible bulging.

In infants, the defect is not usually treated surgically. In most cases, by age 3 the umbilical hernia shrinks and closes without treatment.

Umbilical hernia repair may be necessary for children for the following reasons:

• The hernia is incarcerated or strangulated (the tissue gets stuck pushed out).
• The defect has not closed by 3 or 4 years of age.
• The defect is very large or unacceptable to parents for cosmetic reasons.

Adults:

Umbilical or para-umbilical hernias are relatively common in adults. They are more common in overweight people and in women, especially after pregnancy. Most surgeons recommend they be surgically repaired, as they tend to get bigger over time.

Without surgical repair, there is a risk that some abdominal contents, typically a bit of fat or intestine, will get stuck (incarcerated) in the hernia defect and become impossible to push back in, which is typically painful. If the blood supply is compromised (strangulation), the patient requires urgent surgery.

Incarcerated abdominal tissue may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Any patient with a hernia that cannot be reduced, or pushed back in, while lying down and relaxed should seek urgent medical attention.