Advanced Umbilical Hernia Care
An umbilical hernia is one of the more commonly overlooked conditions; many people notice a soft lump around their belly button for months or years before seeking help. While it can appear harmless at first, an umbilical hernia that grows or causes discomfort should always be evaluated by a surgeon.
Left untreated, it can progress to a point where emergency surgery becomes necessary.
Dr. Srihari Shapur provides expert and personalized umbilical hernia treatment in Wilson Garden, Bangalore for patients across Jayanagar, BTM Layout, Basavanagudi, Bannerghatta Road, JP Nagar, and other areas of South Bangalore.
An umbilical hernia occurs when a part of the intestine or fatty abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak opening in the abdominal muscles near the navel (belly button). In infants, this can happen because the umbilical ring, through which the umbilical cord passes, does not close fully after birth.
In adults, the hernia typically develops due to increased pressure on the abdominal wall from factors like obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or repeated straining.
In children under 5, small umbilical hernias often close on their own. In adults, however, surgical repair is almost always the recommended course of action once the hernia becomes symptomatic or enlarges.
The symptoms of umbilical hernia can range from a minor cosmetic concern to significant discomfort. Watch for these signs:
A soft swelling at or near the navel that becomes more prominent when standing, coughing, or straining.
Aching or pressure around the navel, particularly after physical activity.
The bulge may disappear when lying down and return on standing.
The herniated area may feel tender or sore when pressed.
Can indicate that intestinal tissue is trapped, a surgical emergency.
Darkening over the lump may signal restricted blood flow; seek immediate help.
In adults, umbilical hernias develop when abdominal pressure outweighs the strength of the surrounding muscle wall. Key contributing factors include multiple or closely spaced pregnancies, significant weight gain or obesity, chronic constipation, persistent cough, liver disease with fluid accumulation (ascites), and prior abdominal surgery.
Age-related weakening of abdominal muscles also plays a role. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and individuals who are overweight are particularly prone to developing umbilical hernias.
A visit to a surgeon is recommended whenever an umbilical hernia causes discomfort, is increasing in size, or is cosmetically bothersome.
Dr. Srihari Shapur offers laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair, a keyhole technique that corrects the defect through small incisions rather than a large open cut.
A surgical mesh is carefully placed over the hernia defect to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from recurring.
This approach is particularly beneficial for larger umbilical hernias and for patients who want minimal scarring and a quick return to their daily routine.
Smaller hernias may be repaired using a primary suture repair depending on the clinical assessment. Dr. Shapur evaluates each patient individually to determine the most appropriate surgical plan, balancing thoroughness with the lowest possible disruption to daily life.
Dr. Srihari Shapur has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating umbilical hernias using advanced surgical techniques.
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery helps reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.
Most patients experience quicker healing, shorter hospital stay, and an early return to daily activities.
Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on the size of the hernia, symptoms, and overall health condition.
Procedures are performed using advanced surgical technology with a strong focus on patient safety and precision.
Patients from Wilson Garden, Jayanagar, BTM Layout, JP Nagar, Basavanagudi, and nearby areas trust Dr. Srihari Shapur for expert hernia care.
After laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair, patients typically experience mild soreness around the small incision sites for 2-3 days. Walking is encouraged from the first day, and most patients are comfortably mobile within 48 hours. A light diet is recommended for the initial few days as the digestive system settles.
Return to desk work usually happens within 5-7 days. Physical exertion, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 weeks to allow the mesh to fully integrate with the surrounding tissue.
Dr. Shapur and his team schedule follow-up appointments to track your healing and answer any post-surgery questions along the way.
The primary symptom is a soft lump or bulge at or near the belly button that appears on coughing, straining, or standing. This may be accompanied by discomfort or tenderness around the navel. A hard, painful, or irreducible lump needs urgent medical attention.
Yes. Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is a safe, well-proven technique. It offers a quicker recovery, less pain, and significantly lower recurrence rates compared to traditional open surgery. It is performed under general anaesthesia with a very high success rate by experienced surgeons.
Most patients return to light activity within a week. Full recovery, including resuming strenuous work or exercise, takes about 3-4 weeks. Recovery is generally smoother and faster with laparoscopic repair than with open surgery.
The cost depends on the size of the hernia, the type of repair (with or without mesh), and the hospital chosen. ARC Hospital offers clear, transparent pricing and accepts major insurance plans. Please consult Dr. Srihari Shapur directly for a personalised cost assessment.
You should consult a surgeon if the hernia is growing, causing discomfort, or affecting your quality of life. Seek emergency care immediately if the lump is painful, hard, discoloured, or cannot be pushed back in; this is a sign of strangulation and requires urgent surgery.