Umbilical hernia is the condition that occurs when an organ or adipose tissue in the abdomen tries to get out of the umbilicus, one of the most unprotected areas of the human body.

 

The leading sign of an umbilical hernia is swelling and occasional pain. Both complaints increase during coughing, straining or heavy lifting.  

 

The organ that tries to get out of the umbilical hernia and remains stuck in the narrowest part of the hernia is usually the small intestine. Omentum and other organs can also be located in the hernia sac.  

 

Umbilical hernias can be seen in both sexes, but they are more common in women.  

 

Today's gold standard in the treatment of umbilical hernias are laparoscopic repairs using a mesh (prosthetic material). Under some special circumstances, surgery can also be performed using the traditional open method.