Medical content by Elias Tsiolis, Director Surgeon · Last updated: 26 May 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Umbilical Hernia
Causes and Risk Factors
An umbilical hernia may be caused by:
- Repeated pregnancies
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic cough or constipation
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of an umbilical hernia include:
- A swelling or bulge at the navel that grows when coughing or lifting
- Discomfort or pain in the area
- In advanced cases, vomiting or bowel obstruction
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and, when needed, an ultrasound or abdominal CT scan, especially in complicated cases.
Treatment
Surgical repair is the only definitive solution.
Surgical Treatment
The operation can be performed:
Open repair
- Through a small incision with placement of a mesh; it can even be done under local anesthesia
Laparoscopic or robot-assisted repair
Laparoscopically or robot-assisted, through small ports and a camera
Both the laparoscopic technique and the minimally invasive open technique offer a small wound, minimal pain and a quick return to normal activities.
The choice of technique depends on the patient's condition, the size of the hernia and the choice between general and local anesthesia.