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Umbilical Hernia In A Nutshell
“A hernia occurs when an organ squeezes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. In some cases, the intestines may protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.”
– Dr Ganesh Ramalingam
Hernias occur primarily in the abdomen region, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernia conditions are not immediately life-threatening, but often they require surgery to prevent potentially dangerous complications.
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In some instances, whether it’s in adults or children, hernias can cause life-threatening complications. Seek emergency care should you experience symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, fever, or sudden pain.
Early medical care and changes can minimise symptoms.
However, surgery is the only way to treat hernia effectively. There are different types of surgeries available for hernia repairs, and your surgeon can advise on which one is recommended for your specific condition.
The prognosis for hernia repair surgery is typically good. However, it can depend on the nature of the hernia, the symptoms, and the patient’s general health. Do note that in some cases, the hernia may recur following repair.
The most commonly experienced symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area. For example, an umbilical hernia occurs as a bulge near the belly button. One in five babies is born with an umbilical hernia. However, if the hernia does not resolve when the baby reaches four years of age, treatment may be required.
You might also experience some pain and discomfort in the area around the lump. In some hernia types, such as Hiatal hernias, specific symptoms may be observed, such as heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain.
In many cases, hernias have no symptoms, and you may not know you have a hernia unless it shows up during a routine check-up or a medical examination for an unrelated problem.
Dr Ganesh: “It’s important to recognise the signs of a hernia and to see our doctor if you suspect that you have one. An untreated hernia won’t go away by itself. Our doctor can assess your hernia and recommend a suitable treatment for your condition.”
An umbilical hernia is another form of hernia that may occur during pregnancy.
Sharing her experience with Today’s Parent, Stephanie Kewin has always been a serious athlete, participating in numerous competitive sports such as basketball, weightlifting and CrossFit competitions.
However, following her first son, Van, in 2014, she developed an uncomfortable umbilical hernia, which posed some physical restrictions on the 30-year-old.
The umbilical cord is the tube that connects a mother and her foetus in her womb. In mothers, the umbilical cord passes through her placenta in the womb. In babies, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in their abdominal muscles. Typically, this hole closes right after birth or may be resolved when the baby is three to four years old.
An umbilical hernia occurs when the abdominal muscles do not entirely join, and the baby’s intestine or other tissues bulge through this weak spot near the belly button or navel.
One in five babies are born with an umbilical hernia, but if the hernia does not resolve when the baby reaches four years of age, treatment may be required.
Umbilical hernias may also develop in adults and are much more common in women. This is particularly so if an adult is obese, consistently lifts heavy objects, or has a persistent cough. Women who have had multiple children are at a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia.
Treatment may be needed to resolve umbilical hernias, especially in adults.
Umbilical hernias are relatively common in babies. Babies born at low birth weight and premature risk have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia.
On the other hand, adults develop an umbilical hernia when excessive pressure is placed on a weak section of their abdominal muscles. These include being overweight or obese, having multiple pregnancies, having persistent cough and previously undergone stomach surgery.
A common sign of an umbilical hernia is a soft bulge or swelling near the navel. Laughing, crying, coughing or straining may usually make the umbilical hernia more noticeable.
You may experience pain or discomfort if the hernia becomes larger. Other symptoms you should take note of are:
While there are no immediate dietary requirements for managing an umbilical hernia, some habits may assist you in preventing your hernia from getting bigger.
They are:
During a consultation session, our doctor may be able to diagnose an umbilical hernia through a physical examination. By checking if your hernia can be pushed back into your abdominal cavity, it may also be possible to determine if the umbilical cord is trapped or incarcerated. This is a serious complication as the trapped part of your intestine may not have a sufficient supply of blood.
Should you need further tests to screen for complications, you may be scheduled for an X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, or blood tests to check for infection.
Umbilical hernias do not always require surgical repair. However, surgery is recommended if the hernia:
Umbilical hernias are relatively common in babies. As we know, the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the baby’s abdominal muscles during pregnancy. This gap usually closes immediately after birth.
However, a weak spot may develop in the baby’s abdominal wall if it does not close entirely. The weak spot makes the individual more susceptible to an umbilical hernia.
When an umbilical hernia develops at birth, you may notice that the belly button is pushed out. For newborns, the hernia may heal without surgery.
However, our doctor may recommend surgery if:
Umbilical hernias in adults may be a result of:
They are also common among adults who are overweight and women who were recently pregnant. Additionally, women who have had multiple pregnancies are at a greater risk of developing an umbilical hernia.
It is important to note that umbilical hernias in adults are less likely to resolve themselves. They tend to grow larger over time and often require surgical repair.
In the experience shared by Knoxville Moms, Jasmine Martin, a mother of 5 children, shares her experience in managing her Umbilical Hernia.
“Firstly, I had no idea how common an umbilical hernia is in women post-pregnancy,” says Jasmine. After delivering five children, Jasmine noticed a bulge around her lower abdomen. Thinking that she has diastasis recti, Jasmine was confident that her stomach must have been stretched out so often, leading to a “stomach gap”.
“This belief led me to search for ways to close my stomach gap. Google said I needed physical therapy or a tummy tuck.”
It was only when she saw her obstetrician for her tummy tuck that she was enlightened that it was an umbilical hernia instead, and within the month, she was scheduled for a hernia repair.
When treating an umbilical hernia, repair surgery is performed in two different ways. They are either an open repair or laparoscopic repair.
Open hernia repair is a procedure that typically begins with the administration of general anaesthesia. Once the anaesthesia takes effect, the doctor makes a single incision near the umbilical area to gain access to the hernia.
The herniated tissue is then carefully pushed back into the abdominal cavity. To prevent recurrence of the hernia, a synthetic mesh is usually applied to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. After securely positioning the mesh, the doctor stitches the incision back together. Since the open repair involves only a single cut, scarring post-procedure is typically localised.
The recovery period for this procedure can vary widely, depending on several factors, but on average, patients can resume their normal routines within 3-6 weeks.
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is a minimally invasive technique performed under general anaesthesia. Unlike the single incision in open surgery, this method involves the doctor making four small incisions around the belly button.
A laparoscope, a thin instrument with a camera, is introduced through one of these incisions, transmitting images to a monitor and enabling the doctor to visualise the hernia clearly. The other three incisions serve as entry points for slender surgical instruments that manoeuvre the herniated tissue back into the abdominal cavity.
A synthetic mesh is often inserted to reinforce the weakened area and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. After completing the repair, the doctor closes the small incisions, leaving minimal scarring. Patients generally have a shorter recovery period following laparoscopic repair, often resuming their normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
After surgery, it is normal to experience pain around the surgical site. Our doctor will prescribe medication to help ease the pain as you recover.
Tending to your wound would require extra care. You are advised to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions to prevent complications or infections during your recovery.
Following a hernia repair, you may be unable to move around normally for several weeks, and you may be advised to avoid any strenuous activity. Additionally, you should avoid carrying and lifting heavy objects during this recovery period. This is to prevent adding stress and strain to the wound.
Due to the nature of a hernia and the cause, heavy lifting should be avoided wherever possible, and weightlifting could potentially cause further herniation and deterioration of your condition, so it would be better not to weight lift whilst you have the hernia.
In her post documenting her experience after undergoing Umbilical Hernia surgery repair (open surgery), Heather Hart, an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist and active runner shares how she eased her way back to regular exercising after her surgery.
An umbilical hernia is caused by a hole in the abdominal wall near your belly button that may cause an out-pouching
or bulge. This usually occurs when a person has too much pressure on their core muscles, such as during pregnancy or being overweight.
Meanwhile, diastasis recti is caused from weakening of the midline connective tissue, caused by strain during pregnancy or heavy lifting movements while not properly engaging your core muscles.
If you believe you are experiencing either of these conditions, visit our medical team at G&L Surgical Clinic to determine which disorder you currently have, as well as discuss what treatment options may be available to you.
Robotic surgery is a safe option that has many advantages when it comes to the repair of umbilical hernias.
Some of its benefits include:
Additionally, laparoscopic techniques can be employed in order to reduce the risks associated with umbilical hernia repairs. Robotic surgery can be especially beneficial for elderly patients due to its precision and non-invasive nature. However, it is important to stress that robotic surgery should only be considered if traditional laparoscopic techniques prove too difficult or risky for a particular patient’s needs. Ultimately, our team will assess and provide the recommended treatment plan tailored specifically for each individual case.
In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduced recovery period. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure.
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.
What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Umbilical Hernia?
If left untreated, the hernia can increase in size and become strangulated. This disrupts your blood supply, and you will need immediate medical assistance.
Can I Exercise If I Have An Umbilical Hernia?
You can exercise if you have a hernia; however, certain abdominal exercises may put more pressure on your hernia, which can aggravate it.
If I Maintain A Careful Lifestyle That Doesn’t Aggravate The Umbilical Hernia, Will I Be Able To Live With It Without Any Major Complications?
Some people with hernias may experience no symptoms or only mild discomfort, while others may experience more severe pain or other symptoms. If left untreated, a hernia can potentially become larger and more uncomfortable. It may also increase the risk of complications such as strangulation, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the protruding organ or tissue is cut off.
Are There Exercises That Can Strengthen The Core Muscles And Prevent The Umbilical Hernia From Getting Worse?
In general, strengthening the muscles of the core, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis can help to support the spine and improve overall stability and balance. This can potentially help to reduce the risk of hernias or prevent hernias from worsening. However, certain types of exercises, such as heavy weightlifting or activities that put a strain on the abdominal wall, may not be suitable for people with hernias.
How Should I Sleep After An Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery?
It’s best to sleep on your back and prop yourself up with pillows under your lower back. You can gradually go back to lying flat on your back as you recover.
Due to my work, I got a hernia on my inner thigh and had to see a doctor to get it treated. I found Dr Ganesh online and I am so glad that he is a very patient and caring doctor.
He understood the challenges I faced and proposed that I do hernia repair as the hernia was getting worse. Within a week, I got the procedure scheduled and he helped me to get the hernia repaired. Now, I am back to work and feeling normal with no pain.
Dr Ganesh also gave me good advice to make sure I don’t trigger the condition again. Thank you to all the nurses at G&L Surgical too. All of you are so nice and always smiling, it gave me a great assurance that I am in good hands.
Dr Ganesh is a kind and caring doctor. I had a hernia after childbirth for quite some time but never thought much of it.
However, I noticed that the hernia started to grow larger and I was feeling discomfort from it. It was getting quite painful and I was worried it’s something serious.
I found Dr Ganesh online and scheduled an appointment with him on the day. He assessed that I have an umbilical hernia and recommended that I undergo a hernia repair. As it turns out, fixing the hernia is not a major surgery and I am now back to work with no more bulges on my belly.
I feel much better thanks to him. Thank you to the G&L Team for doing great work!
I had a hernia near my hip and was recommended to Dr Ganesh through a mutual friend. What surprised me most was that Dr Ganesh was unlike any doctor that I have met. My impression of a specialist is that they will always recommend that I undergo surgery but to my surprise, his advice was the opposite. He did an assessment and advised that I did not require a hernia repair as the hernia is still fairly small at the time.
I followed his advice and managed to avoid triggering the pain for about 2 months. However, as I started getting active at the gym, I noticed the hernia was getting larger again and the same discomfort was returning so I went back to visit Dr Ganesh again.
This time around as the hernia is much larger, I had to opt for the hernia repair. Honestly, it wasn’t too bad since I trusted in his skills. The entire procedure was quick and seamless and within a week, I am already back to work.
My absolute gratitude to Dr Ganesh and his team for displaying professionalism, efficiency and assurance that allowed me to be at ease throughout my entire treatment. Your dedication to your work is definitely a blessing and you are truly an amazing doctor!
I had an incisional hernia on the scar above where I had my appendix removed some years ago. It started to bother me and hurt so I came across Dr Ganesh’s clinic online. He’s a friendly doctor and super patient, and had no issues explaining to my husband and I all those questions that we have gathered from reading online.
Turns out it wasn’t as serious as the horror stories we read online but my hernia would definitely need to be repaired.
His team was very fast and booked me in for the procedure within a week. Everything went smoothly and my husband was very pleased that Dr Ganesh was very reassuring. Right before the surgery, Dr Ganesh noticed that he was very worried and even got the staff to grab a cup of coffee for my husband.
I am so grateful to this team for being so kind and thoughtful. If you are even looking for a doctor that cares, this is where you should go. Thank you G&L Clinic!
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