Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Chennai
Have you noticed a small bulge near your belly button? Does it get bigger when you cough, cry, or strain? This could be an umbilical hernia. It is one of the most common types of hernia. It affects both babies and adults. Many people ignore this bulge thinking it is harmless. But if left untreated it can lead to serious complications. The good news is that umbilical hernia is completely treatable with the right surgery.
If you are looking for the umbilical hernia treatment in Chennai then Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is the right doctor for you. He is one of the most trusted hernia specialist in Chennai with over 17+ years of experience. He is a Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Clinical Lead at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital,Chennai. He also sees patients at SS Surgical Clinic, Chennai.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy holds MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, and FMIAS qualifications. He is trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System. He specialises in laparoscopic hernia surgery in Chennai and robotic hernia surgery in Chennai. He has received the Travel Grant Award at AHPBA 2019 in Seoul, South Korea. He has co-authored 34 research papers in top national and international journals. Thousands of patients from Chennai and Tamil Nadu trust him for safe and effective hernia treatment in Chennai.
Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy’s comprehensive guide to umbilical hernia treatment in Chennai. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a renowned specialist offering dedicated care and advanced treatments for various types of hernias in Chennai and surrounding areas.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when a part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot near the belly button. The belly button area is called the umbilicus. This is the spot where the umbilical cord was attached during birth.
After birth this opening normally closes on its own. But sometimes it does not close completely. This leaves a weak spot in the abdominal wall. When pressure builds up inside the abdomen the tissue pushes through this weak spot. This forms a visible bulge near the belly button.
Umbilical hernias are very common in newborns. They are also seen in adults especially in women during or after pregnancy. In many babies the hernia closes on its own by the age of three to four years. But in adults it rarely heals without surgery.
What are the Types of Umbilical Hernias?
There are two primary types of umbilical hernias:
- Infantile Umbilical Hernia: Infantile umbilical hernias are very common and typically appear shortly after birth. They occur when the abdominal muscles around the belly button don’t close properly, allowing a small amount of intestine or fluid to protrude through. These hernias are generally painless and often resolve on their own by the age of 1 or 2 years as the muscles gradually close.
- Adult Umbilical Hernia: Adult umbilical hernias develop in adulthood and are more commonly seen in women, especially those who have been pregnant multiple times, and in individuals who are overweight or have undergone abdominal surgery. These hernias can vary in size and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when coughing, lifting heavy objects, or during physical exertion.
What are the causes of Umbilical Hernia?
Infantile Umbilical Hernia:
- Incomplete closure of the abdominal muscles: During fetal development, the abdominal muscles may fail to fully close around the umbilical cord, leaving a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This allows the intestines or fatty tissue to protrude through, resulting in an umbilical hernia.
Adult Umbilical Hernia:
- Weak abdominal muscles: In adults, the primary cause of umbilical hernias is weakened abdominal muscles. Elements that can contribute to muscle weakness include:
- Obesity: Extra weight and improved pressure on the abdomen can weaken the abdominal muscles, leading to hernia formation.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can stretch and weaken the abdominal muscles, making women more prone to formulating umbilical hernias, particularly if they have multiple pregnancies.
- Chronic cough or respiratory conditions: Ailments that cause ongoing coughing, such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, can weaken the abdominal muscles and raise the risk of hernia formation.
- Heavy lifting: Regularly lifting heavy things without proper method or abdominal support can contribute to the growth of umbilical hernias.
- Previous abdominal surgery: Surgical incisions in the abdomen weaken the abdominal muscles, causing hernias more likely to happen around the umbilical area.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Umbilical Hernias?
Not all umbilical hernias cause symptoms. But common signs include:
- Visible bulge at or near the belly button
- Pain or discomfort, especially when coughing or lifting
- Swelling or tenderness around the navel
- Nausea or vomiting in severe cases
- Enlarging bulge that does not go away
If you notice persistent pain or a hard swelling, it is important to consult a Hernia specialist in Chennai immediately.
How Umbilical Hernia is Diagnosed?
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy performs a thorough evaluation before recommending any treatment. The diagnosis process includes:
- Physical Examination: The doctor examines the belly button area carefully. The patient may be asked to stand, cough, or strain to make the hernia more visible.
- Ultrasound Scan: This is the most common imaging test used. It confirms the hernia and shows its size and content.
- CT Scan: This gives a detailed image of the abdominal area. It is used in complex or unclear cases to understand the full extent of the hernia.
- MRI Scan: Occasionally used to get a clear picture of soft tissue around the hernia.
Getting an accurate diagnosis helps Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy plan the safest and most effective treatment for each patient.
What are the treatment options for an umbilical hernia?
Surgery is the only permanent treatment for an umbilical hernia in adults. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy offers three surgical options:
- Open Hernia Surgery: Open surgery is the traditional method. The surgeon makes a small cut near the belly button. The protruding tissue is pushed back inside. The weak spot in the abdominal wall is then closed with stitches or a mesh. It is a reliable and well-proven procedure. It is often recommended for straightforward cases or emergency situations.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery in Chennai:Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon makes a few tiny cuts in the abdomen. A small camera guides the surgery from inside. The hernia is repaired and a mesh is placed to strengthen the weak area. Key benefits include:
- Much less pain after surgery
- Very small and barely visible scars
- Short hospital stay of one to two days
- Very fast recovery and early return to daily routine
- Very low chance of hernia coming back
- Robotic Hernia Surgery in Chennai: Robotic hernia surgery is the most advanced option available today. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System. This system gives the surgeon a detailed 3D view inside the body. The robotic arms move with very high precision. This makes the surgery extremely safe and accurate. Key benefits include:
- Very high level of surgical precision
- Minimal blood loss during the procedure
- Very low risk of complications
- Much faster recovery for the patient
- Ideal for large, complex, or recurrent umbilical hernias
All surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy carefully evaluates every patient and recommends the most suitable surgical approach based on their condition.
What happens if the Umbilical hernia is untreated?
- Incarceration: An umbilical hernia can become incarcerated, which means the herniated tissue becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall and cannot be easily pushed back in. This can lead to complications such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and an improved risk of tissue damage.
- Strangulation: If the herniated tissue becomes strangulated, it means that its blood supply is cut off. Strangulated umbilical hernias require quick medical intervention and emergency surgery to restore blood flow and prevent further difficulties.
- Bowel obstruction: In some cases, the herniated intestine can become bent or kinked within the hernia sac, showing a bowel obstruction. It requires prompt medical attention and may necessitate surgical intervention to ease the obstruction.
- Increased size or discomfort: Untreated umbilical hernias, especially in adults, have the potential to gradually increase in size over time. This can lead to a more recognizable swelling or lump near the belly button area.
What are the complications associated with umbilical hernias?
Complications of umbilical hernia may include:
- Incarceration: When abdominal tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, it causes discomfort or pain; prompt medical awareness is required to prevent further problems.
- Strangulation: In severe cases, compromised blood supply to herniated tissue can lead to strangulation, a medical emergency requiring surgical intervention to prevent tissue damage.
- Gangrene and Infections: Although very rarely, an incarcerated or strangulated hernia can contract diseases, risking gangrene. In such cases, immediate medical awareness is advised.
Why Choose Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Chennai?
Patients from all across Chennai and Tamil Nadu choose Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for hernia treatment. Here is why he is the most trusted choice:
- MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, FMIAS qualified and specially trained surgeon
- Over 17 years of experience in advanced hernia and gastrointestinal surgeries
- Expert in open, laparoscopic hernia surgery in Chennai and robotic hernia surgery in Chennai
- Trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System for precise robotic procedures
- Co-authored 34 research papers in top national and international medical journals
- Received the Travel Grant Award at AHPBA 2019 Seoul South Korea
- Invited as faculty at AMASICON 2020 and Sri Lankan Surgical Society Conference 2020
- Presented 7 research papers at the 13th IHPBA World Congress in Geneva Switzerland
- Experienced gastroenterologist in Chennai offering complete digestive and surgical care
- Every patient gets a personalised treatment plan based on their condition
- Explains diagnosis and treatment in very simple and clear language
- Honest and transparent approach before and after every surgery
- Uses the latest technology and modern facilities at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital
- Warm and caring environment for patients and their families
- Consults at Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, chennai and SS Surgical Clinic Mylapore, Chennai.
- Easy appointment booking available by phone call or online
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy gives full attention to every single patient. He listens carefully and explains everything clearly. His priority is always your safety, comfort, and complete recovery.
Diet and Care Tips After Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Following simple diet and lifestyle tips after surgery helps you heal faster and better:
- Have only soft and liquid foods for the first two to three days
- Eat small meals five to six times a day
- Avoid spicy, oily, and hard to digest foods for at least four weeks
- Do not strain during bowel movements
- Stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water every day
- Avoid lifting any heavy objects for at least four to six weeks
- Do not do any strenuous exercise or physical activity until the doctor permits
- Keep the surgery area clean and dry at all times
- Follow all post surgery instructions given by Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy without fail
- Attend all follow up appointments regularly
These simple steps will help you recover quickly and reduce the risk of the hernia coming back.
Book An Appointment:
If you are diagnosed with an Umbilical Hernia and looking for the best care then consult with Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy . Feel Free to Book an appointment online and call us at 9962533472.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In most children the hernia closes on its own by the age of three to four years. If it does not close by then the doctor will recommend surgery. Surgery is usually done between four to five years of age.
Most patients can do light activities within one to two weeks. Full recovery after laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery takes about three to four weeks.
The risk of recurrence is very low when mesh repair is done by an experienced surgeon. Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy uses the latest surgical techniques to minimise this risk completely.
Surgery is generally avoided during pregnancy unless it is an emergency. The doctor will evaluate the condition and decide the safest approach for each case.
You can call 96772 31111 or visit www.drsrivatsan.com to book your appointment.