Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Surat - Dr. Vikram Lotwala, Wings Hospital

An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or around the belly button, where part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. In this video, Dr. Vikram Lotwala, laparoscopic hernia surgeon at Wings Hospital, Surat, talks about umbilical hernia and its surgical treatment.

Who gets an umbilical hernia

• Adults who are overweight or have extra fat around the abdomen.
• Women after pregnancy, especially after multiple pregnancies.
• People with chronic cough, constipation or regular heavy lifting.
• Patients with fluid in the abdomen due to liver disease.
• Babies, in whom many umbilical hernias close on their own in the first few years.

Symptoms of umbilical hernia

A soft swelling at or near the navel that becomes more noticeable when coughing, standing or straining, and may flatten when lying down. Some patients feel discomfort or a dragging sensation. A bulge that becomes painful, hard, red or cannot be pushed back needs urgent attention.

Treatment of umbilical hernia

In adults, an umbilical hernia does not heal on its own and usually grows over time. Surgery is the only permanent treatment. Small hernias may be repaired through a small cut near the navel, while larger hernias are usually repaired with mesh, often using laparoscopic techniques. The surgeon chooses the method based on the size of the hernia, the patient’s weight and any other hernias or muscle separation present.

Book a consultation with Dr. Vikram Lotwala for umbilical hernia treatment at Wings Hospital, Surat.

Dr. Vikram Lotwala
Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon
Wings Hospital, 1st Floor, Abhilasha Apartments, Madhuvan Circle, L P Savani Road, Surat, Gujarat
Phone: +91 99099 66056

Frequently Asked Questions

Is umbilical hernia dangerous?

Most are not immediately dangerous, but they can enlarge and, in some cases, trap the bowel, which needs emergency surgery. Early planned repair is safer.

Do all umbilical hernias need mesh?

Not always. Very small hernias may be repaired with stitches alone, but mesh is usually advised for larger hernias as it lowers the chance of recurrence.

Can an umbilical hernia be repaired laparoscopically?

Yes. Laparoscopic repair is often used for larger umbilical hernias or when other hernias or muscle separation need to be treated at the same time.

Will my belly button look different after surgery?

Surgeons aim to preserve the shape of the navel. In most patients the belly button looks natural after healing, with only a small scar.

Does my baby’s umbilical hernia need surgery?

Usually not straight away. Many close on their own by about four to five years of age. Surgery may be advised if the hernia is large, persists beyond this age or causes symptoms. Consult a paediatric surgeon for children.