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.
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.
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.
Fees
For privately insured patients, Dr Goutham offers a known gap — a small, capped out-of-pocket confirmed in writing before surgery. See hernia surgery cost.
Why choose Dr Goutham Sivasuthan
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 does not perform hiatal (paraoesophageal) or parastomal hernia repair — those are referred to upper-GI or colorectal sub-specialists.
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.