Umbilical Hernia: symptoms, types and treatments
What is an umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or other abdominal tissues protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall at the level of the navel.
It can appear at any age and in both sexes, but it is more common in women, particularly after pregnancy. In some cases, it can reach very large dimensions.
umbilical hernia: How it manifests
At first, a small swelling appears at the navel, which tends to increase when coughing,sneezing, or straining.
Over time, the hernia can enlarge and become painful or bothersome, especially during daily activities.
In more advanced cases, inflammation of the skin (omphalitis), ulcerations, and persistent redness may occur.
Why surgery is needed?
An umbilical hernia does not heal spontaneously and tends to worsen progressively.
Surgical repair allows for a definitive solution, improves quality of life, and prevents complications such as chronic pain, infections, or strangulation.
Modern surgery, thanks to minimally invasive techniques and new-generation prostheses, is safe, effective, and associated with short recovery times.
What happens if it is left untreated
Ignoring an umbilical hernia can lead to:
- Progressive enlargement of the defect and increased discomfort.
- Chronic inflammatory phenomena between the hernia sac and the skin, with possible ulcerations and infections.
- Risk of strangulation, a serious condition requiring urgent and riskier emergency surgery.
Planning an elective surgical repair means addressing the problem safely, avoiding the complications typical of emergency surgery.
Planned surgery is always safer and less risky than emergency surgery, because it allows the surgeon to operate under optimal conditions and ensures a faster recovery.
For this reason, when suspicious symptoms appear, prompt medical evaluation is recommended, allowing the most appropriate time for intervention to be chosen.
Conventional surgical techniques
Although still widely used, these techniques have limitations that can now be overcome thanks to technological advancements.
Traditionally, the treatment of umbilical hernia can follow two main approaches:
Direct suture (traditional hernioplasty)
Indicated for small hernias, consisting of closing the defect with stitches. Simple, but associated with a high recurrence rate, up to 54% in larger defects.
Flat mesh placement
Used for larger hernias, involving the insertion of a synthetic mesh fixed with sutures or anchoring devices. It provides better defect coverage but has disadvantages:
- wider incisions required,
- risk of postoperative pain due to sutures on the abdominal muscles,
- higher rate of local complications (seromas, infections, chronic pain).
La tecnica chirurgica di prima scelta
Octomesh XS technique: a safe, clear, and personalized pathway
For umbilical hernias Prof. Amato developed the tentacle mesh Octomesh XS.
This innovative technique uses eight “tentacles” that anchor to tissues through friction (Freexation), eliminating the need for fixation sutures, especially on the abdominal muscles.
At the end of each procedure, Prof. Amato takes care to restore the appearance of the umbilical scar with an omphaloplasty technique that aesthetically reconstructs the navel without external stitches.
Prof. Amato’s scientific article dedicated to this method is considered a landmark international reference for the treatment of umbilical hernia.
Main advantages include:
- smaller incisions and improved aesthetic results,
- reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery,
- wide defect and abdominal wall coverage (overlap), eliminating the risk of recurrence,
- standardized procedure ensuring greater safety for both surgeon and patient,
- aesthetic reconstruction of the navel without external stitches,
- discharge within 24 hours.
Your treatment journey step by step
Each procedure is part of a clear and shared process that accompanies the patient from the first visit to complete recovery.
Clear information and constant availability for dialogue make the journey peaceful and safe.
Start your treatment journey today
By following a clear, safe, and personalized path, the hernia is treated definitively with minimal impact on the patient’s life.
The first consultation is the first step towards recovery: a moment of listening, explanation, and building trust.
Book your consultation and face the most suitable treatment pathway for your needs with confidence.
FAQ
Can an umbilical hernia heal on its own?
No, it tends to worsen over time. The only definitive treatment is surgery.
Is surgery painful?
Thanks to minimally invasive techniques and the tentacle implant Octomesh XS, postoperative pain is very limited.
How long does recovery take?
Generally just a few days: most patients resume light activities within a week.
Is there a risk of recurrence?
Yes, with direct suture recurrence can reach up to 54%. With the Octomesh technique, clinical data show no recurrences in long-term follow-ups.
Biography
Prof. Giuseppe Amato
Prof. Giuseppe Amato is a general surgeon, internationally recognised for his research on abdominal hernias and for developing techniques and devices that have revolutionised the treatment of this condition.
His work is based on scientific rigour, attention to the individual and a constant commitment to offering safe, minimally invasive solutions focused on patients’ quality of life.
His work combines clinical experience and research, resulting in innovative devices such as ProFlor and the Stenting & Shielding Hernia System, designed to promote tissue regeneration and minimise complications.