What an umbilical hernia means for a belly button lump
The belly button lies over an area of the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord once passed. Fat or bowel can push through an opening here, producing a bulge at or near the navel. The swelling may become more obvious with standing, coughing or straining.
Some people notice only a change in shape. Others feel pressure, tenderness or an ache. Adult hernias differ from those in young children, which often close as the child grows. This page concerns adults, so advice about waiting for a child's hernia to close should not be applied to an adult.
How a hernia forms
- Supporting abdominal wall
- Tissue protruding through a gap
What to discuss when a belly button lump changes
Tell the surgeon when the swelling appeared, whether it has grown and whether it settles when you lie down. The examination considers the opening in the abdominal wall as well as the visible bulge. Mention previous abdominal operations, pregnancy plans and conditions such as liver disease or fluid in the abdomen.
Explain what matters in daily life: discomfort against clothing, trouble exercising or concerns about lifting at work. If you are unsure whether the swelling has changed, describe what you have noticed. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or decide on surgery before the consultation.
- Is the bulge becoming painful, larger or harder to settle?
- Is the skin over it changing?
- Could pregnancy plans or another health condition affect treatment timing?
When umbilical hernia repair may be advised for adults
Repair is generally recommended for an adult hernia that causes symptoms. A very small, reducible hernia that causes no discomfort may sometimes be monitored after assessment. Reducible means the contents can return into the abdomen. Monitoring requires advice about changes and follow-up. It does not repair the opening.
The decision also considers your health and the risks of an operation. If pregnancy is planned, raise this before scheduling treatment so timing can be discussed. If there is liver disease or fluid in the abdomen, that needs to be considered in the treatment plan rather than treating the bulge in isolation.
The American College of Surgeons explains adult umbilical hernia treatment.
How stitches and mesh are used in umbilical hernia repair
Repair closes the defect, with mesh commonly used to reinforce the abdominal wall. Stitch-only repair may be considered for selected small defects. Mesh can reduce recurrence compared with stitches alone, but the decision needs to include the size of the defect, your circumstances and the risks of each option.
Surgery may use a laparoscopic approach or an incision near the navel. Ask why the proposed approach is appropriate rather than choosing by incision size alone. Discuss infection, bleeding, persistent discomfort, fluid collection, recurrence and mesh-related complications as part of the consent process.
What it may cost, how soon you go home, and who operates
MediSave can be used for eligible hernia surgery, within limits set by MOH. Hernia surgery is usually covered under Integrated Shield plans, and what your plan pays depends on your policy and the approved claim.
For suitable cases the operation is done as day surgery, so you go home the same day.
Dr Daniel Lee became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in General Surgery in 2015. At Khoo Teck Puat Hospital he was Head of Colorectal Surgery and Surgical Lead for Geriatric Surgery.
Changes in a belly button lump that need emergency care
Go to an emergency department if the bulge becomes suddenly very painful, hard or tender, particularly if it no longer settles or the skin changes colour. Vomiting or abdominal swelling with difficulty passing stool or wind also needs urgent assessment. These can indicate trapped bowel or an interrupted blood supply.
What to plan for recovery after umbilical hernia repair
Discuss recovery in terms of the activities you need to return to. Carrying a child, lifting stock, running and sitting at a desk place different demands on your abdomen. Ask for a plan for each rather than relying on someone else's experience of hernia surgery.
Confirm the expected hospital stay, pain relief, wound care and follow-up. Ask who to contact if the wound becomes increasingly painful or starts discharging. Before agreeing to treatment, request an itemised estimate and use the separate fees information to understand which parts of the bill it includes.