My umbilical hernia is hurting really bad. What can I do ?

Question

I went to the doctor and they say they can't do nothing about it. When I lay down on my stomach it hurts. when I try to push it in it hurts. When I eat some time it hurts. What should I do about it

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am really sorry to read that you are in pain as this must be very distressing for you. My initial concern here is that you are in discomfort. Most hernias are not painful and essentially are the underlying bowel/ abdominal contents pushing at weak points. This pushes the fat above then which tends to be seen in umbilical hernias. Sometimes these hernias are large enough that the the bowel itself is pushing through. Nonetheless, first and foremost I would suggest that the area is scanned to assess the extend of the hernia. Usually a scan (Ultrasound/ Ct or MRI) is useful. If the hernia is painful and you are not able to reduce it , then this needs to be seen quite urgently as it can indicate that the hernia has strangulated within the opening and is unable to come back out. If you can reduce the hernia (ie when you press it it goes back in) then this is not as urgent a problem as that described in the previous paragraph.There are ways of fixing the the hernia sand it really depends on the size of the hernia. This can be as straightforward as making and incision around the belly button, locating the hernia and reducing it and then placing permanent stitches in the defect to prevent repeat herniation. Larger hernias would require an additional mesh to make sure the defect has a strong enough support. If the hernia itself has been long standing then this can give the appearance of an "outie" and both the hernia and belly button shape can be addressed at the same time.In our clinic, we see similar patients and both myself and my colleague Rohit Seth routinely fix these conditions. It would be useful to attach a picture such that wwe could see the extent of the concern and then we could advise accordingly. I hope this helps and you find a solution to sort out your discomfort.Kind regards

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have an incarcerated umbilical hernia, meaning that the herniated sac may be stuck in the abdominal wall defect.  This can be dangerous because it may lead to strangulation of the herniated sac, meaning the blood supply to the sac and its contents can be compromised.  Bottom line.... you need to see a surgeon ASAP for an exam.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to see your primary care doctor as soon as possible for a referral to a general surgeon.   Since it is hurting really bad, it could be a sign that you need it repaired sooner than later, perhaps even today. If you can not get into the doctors office you should visit an emergency department as significant pain and inability to push back in can be a sign of something serious.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Mosher, umbilical
hernia repair is common and relatively simple to repair.  Given the fact
your pain worsens with eating, you may have a loop of intestine involved, which
is a dangerous scenario. You need consultation with a general surgeon ASAP.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Small umbilical hernias are quite common and very amenable to repair. In most instances, a painful hernia would be managed and corrected by a General Surgeon. Often Plastic Surgeons repair these problems when then are encountered at the time of an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). I would recommend that you ask your primary care physician for a General Surgeon referral.Good LuckDr. Mosher

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

If you truly have an umbilical hernia on physical exam it can be fixed. Usually a general surgeon will fix them. If it hurts that is not a good sign as some tissue from within the abdomen can be stuck in the small hole or hernia. This can lead to some pretty bad problems if not fixed. Having not seen you I can not really tell you what is going on.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

A hernia that is symptomatic, that is, it hurts, needs to be evaluated for surgical treatment before it becomes a surgical emergency.  If you are having a lot of pain, you may need to go to the ER and seek either a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon.  If not, you need to see your doctor and get a referral.This is not a cosmetic situation at all, it is an urgent condition at least.

David C. Watts, MD · Answer

I recommend an evaluation by a surgeon.  The hernia may be becoming incarcerated, causing pain.  Surgical intervention is the only way to correct this.

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

Umbilical hernias are normally painless and have low risks for causing problems. Sometimes, though, a portion of your intestine slips into the hernia. Then they become painful, may bulge, and you may not be able to push the hernia back in. This means the intestine is periodically becoming "entrapped" in the hernia and you should have the hernia repaired soon. You may even feel nauseated or vomit or have severe pain- if so, go to the emergency room- you need it fixed now. General surgeons usually fix hernias when they are the only problem; plastic surgeons may do the surgery and/or assist if you also have a rectus diastasis. Note to all patients: always fix your umbilical hernia and diastasis together, or your umbilical hernia may recur.

Carlos Castaneda, MD · Answer

The only way to correct an umbilical hernia is through surgery.If you are experiencing a lot of pain, redness or swelling occurs, go to the ER to make sure it´s not strangulated which would be a surgical emergency.

My umbilical hernia is hurting really bad. What can I do ?

Answers (12)

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