Umbilical hernia
Hernia (lump) near your belly button
If you have an umbilical hernia, our experts at HCA UK have the experience and expertise to treat it
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of an umbilical hernia icon plus
Hernias generally cause no or very few symptoms. If you have an umbilical hernia, you may notice a swelling or lump (bulge) in your belly button (naval area).
You may be able to push the lump back in or it might appear to go away when you lie down. If you cough or strain, the bulge may re-appear.
Sometimes hernias can suddenly cause severe pain and vomiting. This happens when fatty tissue or parts of the bowel get caught in the hernia. This is called strangulation or incarceration and emergency surgery is needed to solve the problem. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Your GP or consultant will examine your lump and the affected area. This may be enough to identify you have a hernia.
It may be necessary to carry out an ultrasound scan. This is a painless and non-invasive procedure that will help to confirm your diagnosis and assess its severity.
During your consultation, the following factors may be taken into consideration before surgery is recommended:
- The risk of strangulation (this can be higher with certain types of hernia or if the hernia contains muscle, other tissue or parts of your bowel).
- If your symptoms are changing or getting worse.
- The effect it is having on you and your everyday life.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
If your consultant recommends surgery, the procedure is relatively straightforward and usually involves a general anaesthetic.
There are two ways hernias can be treated surgically:
- Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. This involves two to four tiny cuts made near your naval, so the hernia can be pushed back into your abdomen.
- Open surgery. In this procedure, a larger cut is made in the skin and your recovery time may be longer.
A special mesh is often used to strengthen the area and prevent the hernia returning. Alternatively, the muscle layers may be stitched together to make them stronger.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex sgoldersurgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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HCA UK at Docklands
2 Upper Bank Street, Canary Wharf
London
E14 5EE
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344