Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Brisbane
What is an umbilical hernia? An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the belly button. It happens when tissue pushes through a natural weak spot in the tummy wall. Many are small and simple to fix as day surgery.
Umbilical (belly button) hernia
The belly button is a natural weak point in the tummy wall. When fatty tissue or bowel pushes through it, you get an umbilical hernia — a soft lump at or just above the navel that is often more obvious when you stand, cough or strain.
Symptoms
- A lump or bulge at the belly button
- Aching or discomfort, especially when lifting or straining
- A lump that may flatten when you lie down
- In many people, little or no pain
Epigastric hernia
An epigastric hernia is a similar bulge a little higher up, between the belly button and the breastbone. It is repaired in much the same way as an umbilical hernia.
Who gets an umbilical hernia?
Adult umbilical hernias are more common with extra weight, after pregnancy, and with anything that raises pressure in the tummy such as a long-term cough or constipation. They can slowly enlarge over time.
How an umbilical hernia is diagnosed
Most umbilical hernias are diagnosed during a physical examination — Dr Goutham examines the bulge, often asking you to stand and cough to make it more obvious. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or to check the hernia's size and contents before surgery, an ultrasound can help confirm it.
Do umbilical hernias need surgery?
Not always. A small, comfortable hernia can sometimes simply be watched. Repair is usually recommended if it is growing, uncomfortable, or at risk of trapping bowel. Dr Goutham will talk through what is right for you. Umbilical hernias rarely become an emergency — but if the lump suddenly becomes painful, firm, red, or will not push back in, seek medical care promptly.
How an umbilical hernia is repaired
The weak spot is closed and, for most adult hernias, reinforced with a small piece of soft mesh to lower the chance of it returning. Small hernias may be repaired through a tiny cut at the belly button; larger ones may suit a keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic-assisted approach. Most modern hernia repairs use a soft mesh to reinforce the weakened wall, which substantially lowers the chance of the hernia coming back.
The technique chosen depends on the size of the defect:
- Suture-only repair — only used for very small defects (less than 1 cm) in low-recurrence-risk patients. A short incision around the navel; no mesh.
- Open mesh repair — a small (3–5 cm) incision around or just above the navel, with mesh placed to reinforce the defect. Suits most primary adult umbilical hernias.
- Laparoscopic mesh repair — three small (5–10 mm) keyhole incisions, mesh placed inside the abdominal wall. Useful for larger defects, recurrent hernias, and patients with multiple midline defects.
Pre-operative optimisation
Good preparation can reduce avoidable risk and support a smoother recovery. Your plan is personalised and may include:
Smoking
Stopping smoking before surgery — ideally for at least four weeks where possible — supports wound healing and lung function.
Diabetes & nutrition
Diabetes control, including an individual HbA1c target where relevant, and adequate nutrition are reviewed before surgery.
Weight & conditioning
When appropriate, gradual weight optimisation and maintaining safe activity can lower strain on the repair and improve recovery.
Medicines & breathing
Blood thinners, other medicines, cough and breathing conditions are reviewed. Never stop anticoagulants unless your treating team gives you a clear plan.
Recovery
Recovery is usually quick. Most people return to desk work within about a week and to heavier activity by 4 weeks. You receive written aftercare and a review — see what to expect after hernia surgery.
Risks of umbilical hernia repair
Umbilical hernia repair is very safe. As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, bruising, fluid collection (seroma), and — uncommonly — recurrence. Serious complications are rare. Dr Goutham will discuss the risks relevant to your repair.
Umbilical hernia repair cost
A first-time umbilical hernia repair is one of the procedures Dr Goutham performs under a known-gap arrangement for eligible insured patients — a capped surgeon's fee confirmed in writing after your consultation. The hernia surgery cost guide covers eligibility, the separate hospital and anaesthetist costs, and a 60-second checker.
Tailored umbilical hernia care
- ✓Approach matched to you — small-incision, keyhole or robotic-assisted repair after assessment.
- ✓Often a day procedure — home the same day where suitable.
- ✓Mesh-reinforced, durable repair for most adult hernias.
- ✓Care close to home — across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
- ✓Direct surgeon access — before and after surgery.
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan is a general and endoscopic surgeon, Australian-trained through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and GESA-accredited (UQ MBBS; AHPRA MED0002000354) with a focus on minimally invasive (keyhole and robotic) hernia surgery at St Andrew's War Memorial, Mater Private Redland and Sunnybank Private.
Dr Goutham assesses hiatus hernias but does not perform hiatal (paraoesophageal) or parastomal hernia repair. When surgery is indicated, he coordinates onward care with an upper-GI specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Do all umbilical hernias need surgery?
Not always. Small, comfortable hernias can sometimes be watched. Surgery is recommended if it is growing, uncomfortable, or at risk of trapping bowel.
Is belly button hernia repair day surgery?
Usually yes — most repairs are done as day surgery under general anaesthetic, so you go home the same day.
Will there be a scar?
Repairs are designed to be discreet, often hidden within the belly-button area.
How soon can I exercise again?
Light activity within about a week; heavier lifting and strenuous exercise are usually resumed by around 4 weeks.
Is hernia mesh safe?
Modern hernia mesh is well-studied and very safe, and significantly reduces the chance of recurrence. Dr Goutham selects the appropriate mesh for your repair and will discuss it with you.
What warning signs should I not ignore?
Umbilical hernias rarely become an emergency, but seek medical care promptly if the lump suddenly becomes painful, firm, red, or will not push back in.
Caring for South-East Queensland
Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan — care close to home, wherever you are in South-East Queensland.
Discuss your umbilical hernia with Dr Goutham
If you have a bulge or discomfort at your belly button, speak with your GP about a referral or contact Upper Edge Surgery. After consultation, the rooms can explain the recommended pathway and provide a written quote. All costs are confirmed in writing before any procedure.