Umbilical Hernia (Navel Hernia)
An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the navel where fat or bowel pushes through a gap in the abdominal wall. It is very common in babies, particularly babies of African descent, and most close by themselves by about age four or five. In adults the gap does not close, and it tends to enlarge with weight gain, pregnancy, lifting or fluid in the abdomen. Taping a coin over a baby's navel, a common practice, does not help and can irritate the skin.
Find a General Surgery SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A soft swelling at the navel
- A bulge that is bigger when a baby cries or an adult coughs or strains
- A swelling that goes back in when lying down or relaxed
- Aching at the navel in adults
- In adults, a bulge just above or beside the navel (paraumbilical hernia)
When to See a Doctor
In a baby, have the hernia checked at routine visits, and see a surgeon if it is still present at about age four, is very large, or is getting bigger. In an adult, see a surgeon to plan a repair. Go to an emergency department immediately if the swelling becomes hard, painful, discoloured or will not go back in, especially with vomiting. This can mean the bowel is trapped.
Treatment options
- Observation in babies and young children, as most close without help
- Surgical repair in children if it persists beyond about age four or five, or causes trouble
- Open repair in adults, with stitches for small hernias and mesh for larger ones
- Laparoscopic repair for larger or recurrent hernias
- Emergency surgery if the hernia becomes trapped
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Should I tie a coin or belt on my baby's navel?
No. Strapping a coin or bandage over the navel does not close the hernia faster and can cause skin sores and infection. Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own.
Is an umbilical hernia dangerous for a baby?
Rarely. Umbilical hernias in children very seldom get stuck. See a doctor urgently if the swelling becomes hard, tender or discoloured, or your baby is vomiting and unsettled.
Can an adult umbilical hernia close on its own?
No. In adults it usually grows over time. Repair is recommended for most adults, and planned repair is simpler and safer than emergency surgery.
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