Belly Button Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery and Recovery

Summary Paragraph

Umbilical hernias can affect anyone. These problems can’t improve on their own and often require surgery. Knowing the symptoms and treatment options can help you get the care you need.

Key Takeaways

• Umbilical hernias (also called belly button hernias) can impact anyone at any age.
• A noticeable bulge and pain are common signs of umbilical hernias.
• Surgery is the only treatment option for umbilical hernias that cause significant symptoms that reduce your quality of life.

Belly Button Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery & Recovery

Did you lift a weight that was too heavy at the gym? Strain too hard on the toilet? Or simply twist your torso to get the laundry out of the dryer? If so, you know it may not take much for a hernia to pop out. And when it happens, the sharp pain and the noticeable bulge near your belly button is unmistakable.

An umbilical hernia (one around your belly button) can affect anyone at any age. It’s a medical problem that you shouldn’t ignore. But dealing with one may sound overwhelming. Your care journey may be easier if you know the symptoms, treatment options and recovery timeline.

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, our experienced surgeons treat umbilical hernias using minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques. Together, you’ll decide on the treatment that’s right for your condition, symptoms and overall health.

What Is an Umbilical Hernia?

Umbilical hernias look like a bulge, bubble or balloon next to your belly button. They’re pockets that develop when a small part of your insides, like fat, intestines or stomach, pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles.

Most umbilical hernias aren’t emergencies. In fact, hernias around the belly button are common, impacting up to 10% of adults during their lifetime. If your hernia is small, your healthcare provider may be able to push it back. However, if a larger hernia becomes trapped inside the pocket (incarceration) and loses its blood supply, it can become serious and require immediate medical attention.

Even though umbilical hernias can affect anyone, they appear three times more often in women than men. Other factors that can increase your risk include:

• Age.
• Chronic cough.
• Fluid buildup in your abdomen.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Previous abdominal surgery.

Symptoms of Umbilical Hernias

Many people first notice a small bulge near their belly button that becomes more noticeable when they stand, cough or lift something heavy. For most people, minor hernias cause a dull ache, pain, pressure or tenderness in your abdomen. You can also feel back pain if your hernia affects your posture.

Over time, if your hernia starts to get worse, your symptoms will, too. If you experience any of these signs, you may need emergency care:

• A bulge that hardens or turns red or dark purple.
• Blood in your stool.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sharp, sudden or worsening abdominal pain.

Umbilical Hernia Treatment

Once you have a hernia, it doesn’t go away on its own. It won’t improve with heat, ice or rest like a strained muscle. While some hernias never change, others grow and may cause additional health issues. For example, the incarceration risk for an untreated hernia goes up 1% every year. You’re also more likely to get an abdominal or intestinal infection if your hernia cuts off blood supply to your tissues.

Having a hernia doesn’t mean you need surgical treatment right away. A small hernia that can be gently pushed back by a medical professional and is not causing discomfort may be monitored in some cases. However, you should consult a doctor so they can recommend the appropriate care.

“Many patients are surprised to learn that a hernia won’t heal on its own. While some umbilical hernias can be safely monitored for a period of time, it’s important to have them evaluated early so we can determine the best course of treatment before complications develop. Today, minimally invasive and robotic approaches allow many patients to return to their normal activities much sooner than they expect,” says Mike McAndrew, MD, a General Surgeon with St. Elizabeth Physicians.

There are three types of hernia procedures. Based on the size of your hernia and your health needs, your doctor may recommend:

• Laparoscopic surgery – Your surgeon makes a small incision and uses a long, thin tube capped with a small camera (a laparoscope) and small tools to repair your hernia.
• Open surgery – Your surgeon makes one larger incision over your hernia, pushes your tissue back behind your muscles and stitches the hole in your abdominal wall.
• Robotic surgery – Similar to laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon uses a computer and robotic arms to fix your hernia.

For most people, umbilical hernia repair is an outpatient procedure that takes roughly an hour. Typically, you can leave the hospital the same day so you can rest at home.

Umbilical Hernia Repair Recovery

After surgery, you’ll likely feel some discomfort, pain and swelling around your belly button for a few days. You may also feel more tired than usual.

The type of procedure you have largely determines how long your recovery takes. If you had a laparoscopic or robotic procedure, you may be able to return to your regular activities within a week. It can take up to a month to get back to your normal routine after an open procedure.

You can shower the day after surgery. To support a faster recovery, be sure to walk around as much as possible during the first few days after surgery. You can also make your recovery easier by following these tips:

• Add fiber-rich foods to your normal diet.
• Alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen as directed by your doctor to reduce pain.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until cleared by your doctor.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
• Wait to drive until your doctor says it’s OK.
• Avoid sexual activity until cleared by your doctor.

The most important thing is to return to activities slowly and be patient with yourself. A full recovery can sometimes take up to three months.

Get Expert Umbilical Hernia Care

If you have an umbilical hernia, it’s important to let your doctor know. Our experienced hernia surgeons will evaluate your symptoms, explain your options and help you decide on the treatment that is right for you. Not sure whether your symptoms could be related to a hernia? Complete our hernia questionnaire to help determine your next step.