What is an umbilical / paraumbilical hernia?

An umbilical or paraumbilical hernia is when abdominal tissues, intestines or organs push out through a weak spot in your abdominal wall in or near your belly button. This causes a lump or swelling.

Umbilical hernias are very common in babies and young children but adults can develop them too. They’re sometimes called paraumbilical hernias in adults, and they’re often associated with pregnancy, or being overweight or obese.

For more information on hernias more generally, or different types of hernia, visit our Help and Advice section.  

When is umbilical hernia surgery needed?

Umbilical hernias in babies don’t usually need surgery. They don’t usually cause any problems, and most of the time, they heal on their own by the age of 5 years old.

It’s usually advised that paraumbilical hernias in adults are repaired with surgical repair as soon as possible. This is because they are associated with a high risk of complications including strangulation. Strangulation is when the contents of the hernia become completely trapped and the blood supply is reduced or cut off. This can lead to the tissue becoming infected or dying, and other complications.

How is umbilical hernia repair carried out?

Umbilical hernia repair may be carried out by open or keyhole (also known as laparoscopic) umbilical hernia repair surgery under a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will gently push the tissue and organs back into place. They’ll then fix the weak spot in your abdominal wall either by stitching it together or inserting a synthetic mesh. Find out more about hernia repair.

You won’t normally be kept in and will be able to start your recovery at home the same day as your umbilical hernia repair.

Potential complications of umbilical hernia repair

It’s common for an umbilical hernia to come back, especially if you gain weight after the surgery. There is also a risk of bowel obstruction (when your bowel becomes blocked) and injury to your bowel. Other complications are similar to those for other types of hernia repair, and include infection and build-up of fluid and blood in the area.

Following a period of recovery you should be able to resume normal activities, but you should avoid any strenuous activities including heavy lifting for a while and ask your consultant for a follow-up appointment if you need to. 

Umbilical hernia repair costs and fees

Umbilical hernia repair is often available through private medical insurance. Check with your insurer whether they will cover it. You can also self-fund this treatment.

Typically, an initial consultation with the surgeon will cost between £150 and £250. The cost of the procedure itself will vary depending on the exact surgery you have.

References

• Coste AH, Jaafar S, Parmely JD. Umbilical hernia. StatPearls. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, last update 21 July 2020.
• Calhoun Rice S. Umbilical hernia. Healthline. www.healthline.com, reviewed 15 December 2017.
• Abdominal wall hernias. Patient. patient.info, last edited 15 January 2018.
• Hernia. Encyclopaedia Britannica. www.britannica.com, last updated 26 May 2021.