Umbilical hernia - Symptoms, Causes, Complications and Prevention

Umbilical hernia definition

A ventral hernia that is present at or close to the umbilicus (navel) is known as an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia occurs when fat, tissue, or an organ, typically a portion of the intestine, pushes or bumps through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near to the belly button.

Usually, an umbilical hernia develops when the layers of the abdominal wall do not fuse at the time of birth ; umbilical hernias aren’t serious and typically don't cause any major health problems.

Umbilical hernia meaning

The umbilical cord is a channel that connects a mother and the foetus and allows oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the foetus while the baby is in the mother’s womb. Usually, the baby’s umbilical cords pass through the small opening that is present in between the abdominal muscles. In most cases, this opening will be closed soon after the birth.

Still, in some cases, these abdominal wall layers don't fuse or joint completely, resulting in hernia formation. Hence, it is referred to as an umbilical hernia. According to the European Hernia Society classification, the location of the umbilical hernia is from 3 cm above (supra umbilical hernia) to 3 cm below the navel region (umbilicus). 

Incidence of umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernias are the second most common type of hernia in adults, and are particularly the most common type in newborns and babies.



Umbilical hernias affect 20% of newborns, and 90% of them will naturally close or heal by the time the child is five years old. According to the American College of Surgeons, umbilical hernias account for about 10% of adult hernias. Adults experience these hernias at the age of 60 years or older.

Umbilical hernias are commonly seen in 2% of the adult population, but they may occur more frequently in obese multiparous women and cirrhotic individuals. Umbilical hernia can occur in up to 20% of cirrhotic patients with ascites. With a 3:1 ratio, umbilical hernia in women are more seemingly to have it. Incarcerated umbilical hernias are most commonly seen in males, whereas asymptomatic reducible umbilical hernias are seen in females. 

Umbilical hernia symptoms

Umbilical hernia signs and symptoms are as follows:

Symptoms of umbilical hernia in babies: Umbilical hernia baby experience bulging at the site of the navel when crying, straining and coughing.

Umbilical hernia symptoms in adults

• Protrusion or bulging at the site of the umbilicus (navel). 
• Pain or pressure at the site
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Tenderness 
• Incarceration (constriction of the neck of hernial sac). 

Some hernias might lead to strangulation (cessation of blood supply to the tissue or organ that has bulged out through the navel). The symptoms of strangulated hernias include: 

• Bulging
• Discolouration
• Intestinal obstruction 
• Fever 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Pain and tenderness 

Umbilical hernia emergency symptoms

An umbilical hernia emergency is referred to as an emergency condition that needs immediate treatment. In most cases, umbilical hernias are not serious; whenever the blood supply to the tissue cuts off, it leads to strangulation (strangulated hernia).



Symptoms of this strangulated umbilical hernia include:

• Discoloured bulge
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Tenderness and pain at the affected site 

Umbilical hernia causes

The causes of umbilical hernias are as follows:

• Incomplete closure of abdominal walls at birth (in babies)
• Having multiple pregnancies 
• Overweight
• Prolonged or chronic constipation that increases abdominal pressure
• A chronic or persistent cough that increases abdominal pressure
• Enlarged prostate gland, which leads to difficulty in urinating (in males)
• Ascites (excessive belly fluid) 
• Straining on lifting or pushing heavy objects 

Risk factors of umbilical hernia

Risk factors for umbilical hernia include:

• Pregnancy (frequent or multiple): Women are more likely to develop umbilical hernias than men. Pregnancies may cause the umbilical hernia by raising the intra-abdominal pressure progressively. 
• Obesity: Patients with overweight have an increased risk of umbilical hernia, as being overweight increases abdominal pressure. 
• Liver cirrhosis with ascites (fluid accumulation in the belly region): Nearly 20% of patients suffering from liver cirrhosis associated with ascites might have the risk of developing an umbilical hernia due to the increased abdominal pressure, which is primarily caused by elevated abdominal fluid accumulation. 
• Chronic abdominal distension: Abdominal distension, which is caused due to intestinal obstruction, might have the risk of developing a hernia. 
• History of abdominal surgeries 
• Long-term peritoneal dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis leads to an abdominal wall hernia, which is the common mechanical complication of peritoneal dialysis. 
• Long-term health conditions (cough, constipation, vomiting and benign prostatic hyperplasia) : These conditions increase the strain on the abdominal wall muscles and lead to hernia. 
  

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