May 14, 2026 Author : Ana Lúcia Barreira (general surgery) An umbilical hernia is a type of abdominal wall hernia that forms in the region of the navel . Internal organs, usually fat or part of the intestine, protrude forming an external bulge. This bulge, which may be more or less visible in the navel area, can become larger with physical effort, coughing, standing, and other situations. There may be no other significant symptoms, but discomfort or pain may also occur, especially during physical effort. In rare situations, an umbilical hernia may become strangulated, meaning that its contents become trapped and lose their blood supply, a condition that requires urgent treatment. Are there risk factors for developing an umbilical hernia? Some conditions increase the likelihood of developing an umbilical hernia or of it worsening: Excess weight or obesity; Repeated physical effort, such as lifting heavy objects or intense physical exertion; Chronic cough, for example in smokers or people with lung diseases; Pregnancy; Chronic constipation due to straining during bowel movements; Ascites or accumulation of fluid in the abdomen; Diabetes or other conditions that affect wound healing; Smoking, as it impairs tissue quality. These factors can also increase the risk of complications and influence recovery after surgery. Is the treatment of an umbilical hernia always surgical? Surgery is the only definitive treatment for an umbilical hernia. However, not all umbilical hernias require immediate surgical treatment. Surgery is generally recommended when : The hernia causes pain or discomfort that affects quality of life; There is a progressive increase in the size of the hernia; There is a high risk of complications, such as strangulation. In cases of small hernias without other symptoms, or in patients with high surgical risk, a watchful waiting approach with regular medical evaluation may be appropriate. How is umbilical hernia surgery performed? The aim of surgery is to correct the defect in the abdominal wall at the level of the navel and prevent recurrence of the hernia. Umbilical hernia repair surgery can be performed using different techniques: Open surgery , in which a single, larger incision is made in the umbilical region; Minimally invasive surgery , in which small incisions are made through which surgical instruments and a camera are introduced, with the procedure guided by high-definition images displayed on a monitor in the operating room. The minimally invasive approach is associated with faster recovery and a lower risk of infection in some cases. However, not all hernias can be treated using this technique. Regardless of the surgical approach, either open or minimally invasive, in most cases the procedure includes : Closure of the hernia defect, that is, the weakened area that allowed the hernia to form; When indicated, reinforcement of the abdominal wall with a prosthesis (a type of mesh), which can be placed in different layers of the abdominal wall (more superficial or deeper) and reduces the risk of recurrence; In some urgent surgery cases, when the herniated tissues have lost their blood supply, it may be necessary to perform an intestinal resection, meaning removal of the affected portion of the intestine. The duration of surgery varies according to the complexity of the hernia, but it is generally a short procedure. Are there special precautions after umbilical hernia surgery? After surgery, it may be necessary to : Keep abdominal drains for a period determined on a case-by-case basis; Use negative-pressure wound therapy dressings to aid healing; Wear an abdominal binder for support and containment, usually during the first three months after surgery; Avoid intense physical exertion during recovery. Return to work depends on the type of professional activity and individual recovery. Most patients return quickly to their usual routine. Complete healing and integration of the prosthesis may take several weeks. Does umbilical hernia surgery carry risks? The success rate of umbilical hernia repair surgery is high, and most patients recover without complications. However, all surgical procedures carry risks, including those related to anesthesia and pre-existing conditions such as smoking, obesity, or diabetes. General risks include: Urinary tract infection; Venous thrombosis; Cardiac or respiratory complications; Bleeding. Specific risks of hernia repair surgery include: Poor wound healing or infection of the surgical site; Seromas or hematomas; Chronic pain or infection of the prosthesis; Hernia recurrence; Intestinal, nerve, or vascular injuries. What happens if an umbilical hernia is not treated? A hernia that has an indication for surgical treatment and is not treated may increase in size over time, becoming more difficult to repair and causing greater discomfort. It may also become complicated by incarceration or strangulation, affecting quality of life and making subsequent surgery more complex, with a higher rate of complications. Meet the general surgery clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
