Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is a bulge around the navel that develops when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall. In adults it never heals on its own and grows over time. The definitive solution is surgery, which we perform laparoscopically on a day-surgery basis.
- Operated by MUDr. Ivan Majeský – a surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive surgery
- Laparoscopic mesh repair, and you go home the same day
- A private clinic with no referral and no waiting lists
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What an umbilical hernia is
The navel is a naturally weak spot in the abdominal wall – after the umbilical cord detaches, scar tissue without a muscle layer remains there. If this spot stretches under increased pressure inside the abdomen, an umbilical hernia forms: a sac into which fat from the abdominal cavity or part of the intestine is pushed.
In small children, an umbilical hernia often closes spontaneously. In adults, however, it never heals on its own – the defect tends to grow over time, and with it grows the risk of complications, including strangulation. The only definitive treatment is surgery with reinforcement of the abdominal wall.
At our clinic we repair umbilical hernias laparoscopically with mesh – under general anesthesia and without a hospital stay; you go home on the day of your procedure.
Symptoms of an umbilical hernia
Most patients first notice a change in the shape of their navel
- A bulge or lump around the navel, more pronounced when standing and with exertion
- A protruding or pushed-out navel that changes shape
- A dragging feeling, pressure or discomfort around the navel when coughing, straining or lifting
- The bulge gets smaller when lying down or can be gently pushed back in
- With larger hernias, a feeling of heaviness after meals or towards the end of the day
Even a small, painless umbilical hernia grows over time. A smaller defect means a simpler operation and a faster recovery.
Causes and risk factors
- Excess weight and obesity – permanently increased pressure in the abdominal cavity
- Pregnancies, especially repeated or multiple ones
- Heavy physical work and lifting heavy loads
- Chronic cough and chronic constipation with straining
- Congenitally weaker connective tissue and weakening of the abdominal wall with age
- Free fluid in the abdominal cavity in certain conditions
Diagnosis
An umbilical hernia is reliably detected by a clinical examination by a surgeon – by sight and touch while standing, lying down and coughing. For small hernias, or in patients with more excess weight, the examination is completed with an ultrasound, which clarifies the size of the defect and its contents.
You can arrange everything within a surgical consultation with MUDr. Ivan Majeský – including the surgical plan, the date and preparation instructions. Book with no referral on +421 948 687 667.
Treatment at our clinic
We treat umbilical hernias minimally invasively and without a hospital stay
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
Umbilical hernia repair with mesh through small incisions, under general anesthesia.
Surgical consultation
Examination, confirmation of the diagnosis and a surgical plan directly with the clinic's head physician.
Day surgery
Surgery and post-operative monitoring in a single day – by the evening you are back in your own home.
When to seek help immediately
A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening condition
- Sudden severe pain around the navel or across the whole abdomen
- The bulge has become hard, painful and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to pass stool or wind
- Reddening or purple discoloration of the skin over the bulge
Frequently asked questions about umbilical hernias
No. Spontaneous closure is possible only in small children. In adults, the defect grows over time, so the only definitive treatment is surgery with reinforcement of the abdominal wall.
A small hernia usually poses no immediate threat, but fatty tissue or intestine strangulates in an umbilical hernia relatively often. Strangulation is an acute, life-threatening condition, so we recommend not postponing surgery.
Simply stitching the weakened abdominal wall carries a higher risk of the hernia coming back. A fine mesh covers the defect and grows into the surrounding tissue, permanently strengthening the wall and greatly reducing the risk of recurrence.
You will manage everyday activities within a few days and a desk job in about one to two weeks. Physical exertion and lifting heavy loads should be avoided for four to six weeks.
In most cases yes; excess weight is in fact one of the common causes of umbilical hernias. The surgeon, together with the anesthesiologist, assesses your suitability for the procedure and any pre-operative recommendations at the consultation.
Related topics
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
How minimally invasive hernia repair with mesh works and what its benefits are.
Inguinal hernia
The most common hernia of all – a bulge in the groin and the options for treating it.
Incisional hernia
A hernia in the scar of a previous operation and how we treat it.
Author and medical review: Day-surgery operations are performed by MUDr. Ivan Majeský – a surgeon focusing on minimally invasive and day surgery, with over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 laparoscopic procedures. · Last medical review: July 2026
Noticed a bulge near your navel? Have it examined
Book an appointment for a surgical consultation with MUDr. Ivan Majeský – no referral and no waiting lists.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is a bulge around the navel that develops when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall. In adults it never heals on its own and grows over time. The definitive solution is surgery, which we perform laparoscopically on a day-surgery basis.
- Operated by MUDr. Ivan Majeský – a surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive surgery
- Laparoscopic mesh repair, and you go home the same day
- A private clinic with no referral and no waiting lists
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What an umbilical hernia is
The navel is a naturally weak spot in the abdominal wall – after the umbilical cord detaches, scar tissue without a muscle layer remains there. If this spot stretches under increased pressure inside the abdomen, an umbilical hernia forms: a sac into which fat from the abdominal cavity or part of the intestine is pushed.
In small children, an umbilical hernia often closes spontaneously. In adults, however, it never heals on its own – the defect tends to grow over time, and with it grows the risk of complications, including strangulation. The only definitive treatment is surgery with reinforcement of the abdominal wall.
At our clinic we repair umbilical hernias laparoscopically with mesh – under general anesthesia and without a hospital stay; you go home on the day of your procedure.
Symptoms of an umbilical hernia
Most patients first notice a change in the shape of their navel
- A bulge or lump around the navel, more pronounced when standing and with exertion
- A protruding or pushed-out navel that changes shape
- A dragging feeling, pressure or discomfort around the navel when coughing, straining or lifting
- The bulge gets smaller when lying down or can be gently pushed back in
- With larger hernias, a feeling of heaviness after meals or towards the end of the day
Even a small, painless umbilical hernia grows over time. A smaller defect means a simpler operation and a faster recovery.
Causes and risk factors
- Excess weight and obesity – permanently increased pressure in the abdominal cavity
- Pregnancies, especially repeated or multiple ones
- Heavy physical work and lifting heavy loads
- Chronic cough and chronic constipation with straining
- Congenitally weaker connective tissue and weakening of the abdominal wall with age
- Free fluid in the abdominal cavity in certain conditions
Diagnosis
An umbilical hernia is reliably detected by a clinical examination by a surgeon – by sight and touch while standing, lying down and coughing. For small hernias, or in patients with more excess weight, the examination is completed with an ultrasound, which clarifies the size of the defect and its contents.
You can arrange everything within a surgical consultation with MUDr. Ivan Majeský – including the surgical plan, the date and preparation instructions. Book with no referral on +421 948 687 667.
Treatment at our clinic
We treat umbilical hernias minimally invasively and without a hospital stay
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
Umbilical hernia repair with mesh through small incisions, under general anesthesia.
Surgical consultation
Examination, confirmation of the diagnosis and a surgical plan directly with the clinic's head physician.
Day surgery
Surgery and post-operative monitoring in a single day – by the evening you are back in your own home.
When to seek help immediately
A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening condition
- Sudden severe pain around the navel or across the whole abdomen
- The bulge has become hard, painful and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to pass stool or wind
- Reddening or purple discoloration of the skin over the bulge
Frequently asked questions about umbilical hernias
No. Spontaneous closure is possible only in small children. In adults, the defect grows over time, so the only definitive treatment is surgery with reinforcement of the abdominal wall.
A small hernia usually poses no immediate threat, but fatty tissue or intestine strangulates in an umbilical hernia relatively often. Strangulation is an acute, life-threatening condition, so we recommend not postponing surgery.
Simply stitching the weakened abdominal wall carries a higher risk of the hernia coming back. A fine mesh covers the defect and grows into the surrounding tissue, permanently strengthening the wall and greatly reducing the risk of recurrence.
You will manage everyday activities within a few days and a desk job in about one to two weeks. Physical exertion and lifting heavy loads should be avoided for four to six weeks.
In most cases yes; excess weight is in fact one of the common causes of umbilical hernias. The surgeon, together with the anesthesiologist, assesses your suitability for the procedure and any pre-operative recommendations at the consultation.
Related topics
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
How minimally invasive hernia repair with mesh works and what its benefits are.
Inguinal hernia
The most common hernia of all – a bulge in the groin and the options for treating it.
Incisional hernia
A hernia in the scar of a previous operation and how we treat it.
Author and medical review: Day-surgery operations are performed by MUDr. Ivan Majeský – a surgeon focusing on minimally invasive and day surgery, with over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 laparoscopic procedures. · Last medical review: July 2026
Noticed a bulge near your navel? Have it examined
Book an appointment for a surgical consultation with MUDr. Ivan Majeský – no referral and no waiting lists.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is a bulge around the navel that develops when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall. In adults it never heals on its own and grows over time. The definitive solution is surgery, which we perform laparoscopically on a day-surgery basis.
- Operated by MUDr. Ivan Majeský – a surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive surgery
- Laparoscopic mesh repair, and you go home the same day
- A private clinic with no referral and no waiting lists
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What an umbilical hernia is
The navel is a naturally weak spot in the abdominal wall – after the umbilical cord detaches, scar tissue without a muscle layer remains there. If this spot stretches under increased pressure inside the abdomen, an umbilical hernia forms: a sac into which fat from the abdominal cavity or part of the intestine is pushed.
In small children, an umbilical hernia often closes spontaneously. In adults, however, it never heals on its own – the defect tends to grow over time, and with it grows the risk of complications, including strangulation. The only definitive treatment is surgery with reinforcement of the abdominal wall.
At our clinic we repair umbilical hernias laparoscopically with mesh – under general anesthesia and without a hospital stay; you go home on the day of your procedure.
Symptoms of an umbilical hernia
Most patients first notice a change in the shape of their navel
- A bulge or lump around the navel, more pronounced when standing and with exertion
- A protruding or pushed-out navel that changes shape
- A dragging feeling, pressure or discomfort around the navel when coughing, straining or lifting
- The bulge gets smaller when lying down or can be gently pushed back in
- With larger hernias, a feeling of heaviness after meals or towards the end of the day
Even a small, painless umbilical hernia grows over time. A smaller defect means a simpler operation and a faster recovery.
Causes and risk factors
- Excess weight and obesity – permanently increased pressure in the abdominal cavity
- Pregnancies, especially repeated or multiple ones
- Heavy physical work and lifting heavy loads
- Chronic cough and chronic constipation with straining
- Congenitally weaker connective tissue and weakening of the abdominal wall with age
- Free fluid in the abdominal cavity in certain conditions
Diagnosis
An umbilical hernia is reliably detected by a clinical examination by a surgeon – by sight and touch while standing, lying down and coughing. For small hernias, or in patients with more excess weight, the examination is completed with an ultrasound, which clarifies the size of the defect and its contents.
You can arrange everything within a surgical consultation with MUDr. Ivan Majeský – including the surgical plan, the date and preparation instructions. Book with no referral on +421 948 687 667.
Treatment at our clinic
We treat umbilical hernias minimally invasively and without a hospital stay
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
Umbilical hernia repair with mesh through small incisions, under general anesthesia.
Surgical consultation
Examination, confirmation of the diagnosis and a surgical plan directly with the clinic's head physician.
Day surgery
Surgery and post-operative monitoring in a single day – by the evening you are back in your own home.
When to seek help immediately
A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening condition
- Sudden severe pain around the navel or across the whole abdomen
- The bulge has become hard, painful and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to pass stool or wind
- Reddening or purple discoloration of the skin over the bulge
Frequently asked questions about umbilical hernias
No. Spontaneous closure is possible only in small children. In adults, the defect grows over time, so the only definitive treatment is surgery with reinforcement of the abdominal wall.
A small hernia usually poses no immediate threat, but fatty tissue or intestine strangulates in an umbilical hernia relatively often. Strangulation is an acute, life-threatening condition, so we recommend not postponing surgery.
Simply stitching the weakened abdominal wall carries a higher risk of the hernia coming back. A fine mesh covers the defect and grows into the surrounding tissue, permanently strengthening the wall and greatly reducing the risk of recurrence.
You will manage everyday activities within a few days and a desk job in about one to two weeks. Physical exertion and lifting heavy loads should be avoided for four to six weeks.
In most cases yes; excess weight is in fact one of the common causes of umbilical hernias. The surgeon, together with the anesthesiologist, assesses your suitability for the procedure and any pre-operative recommendations at the consultation.
Related topics
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
How minimally invasive hernia repair with mesh works and what its benefits are.
Inguinal hernia
The most common hernia of all – a bulge in the groin and the options for treating it.
Incisional hernia
A hernia in the scar of a previous operation and how we treat it.
Author and medical review: Day-surgery operations are performed by MUDr. Ivan Majeský – a surgeon focusing on minimally invasive and day surgery, with over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 laparoscopic procedures. · Last medical review: July 2026
Noticed a bulge near your navel? Have it examined
Book an appointment for a surgical consultation with MUDr. Ivan Majeský – no referral and no waiting lists.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk