Our bellybutton is also called umbilicus. An umbilical hernia is a defect through the bellybutton which allows the protrusion of internal organs of the abdominal cavity through the defect. Such internal organs may include abdominal fat or even a loop of bowel (intestine).
It is often first noticed as a painless swelling over the belly button that becomes more noticeable in an upright position, and reduces on lying down. It is usually not painful; at most a mild ache may be felt. However, when the pain is severe, this may indicate a serious complication of the condition whereby the bowel loop that protrude through the defect becomes deprived of blood supply. Equally ominous is distension of the abdomen accompanied by vomiting as this may represent another complication of the condition, whereby the bowel loop that protrudes through the defect becomes blocked.
It is advisable to seek medical attention whenever an umbilical hernia is suspected or found. Though the person may not experience much discomfort, surgery is usually recommended to prevent the serious complications of the condition from happening.
The doctor is usually able to clinch the diagnosis with physical examination. The lump is typically over the umbilicus. It will reduce on lying down. On standing or on coughing, the lump will protrude out. The surgeon will also try to measure the size of the defect – this will help him in his surgical planning.
Surgery is the definitive treatment for umbilical hernia. The operation can be done either through a small incision directly over the hernia or with keyhole surgery. The aim is to close the defect. The closure can either be done through simple stitching or to use a mesh to cover the hole.
This arises from a natural defect in the abdominal wall just underneath the umbilicus that every person is born with. However in some individuals, this defect can enlarge over time which leads to a lump being noticeable over the belly button. Any condition that increases the intra-abdominal pressure can cause this defect to widen. Common examples include pregnancy, chronic constipation, obesity.
Whilst not completely preventable, constipation, straining when passing urine, carrying heavy weights or a chronic cough may aggravate the condition. In all these situations, there is an increase in the pressure within the abdomen, especially when the person strains. This increase in pressure will slowly enlarge the defect and worsen the condition.
Colorectal & General Surgeon
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
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Our clinics will be closed from 16 – 18 Feb for CNY
Our clinic at Mt Alvernia Medical Centre A will be relocating from #06-05 to #03-03 (within the same building) on Friday, 26 Sep afternoon.
Our telephone line 6353 4855 will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on 26 September. During this period, you may reach out to our other clinics for assistance:
We will begin operations at our new premises (#03-03) from Tuesday, 30 Sep onwards.
We look forward to serving you at our new clinic!
Nexus Surgical clinics at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre will be closed on 28 January 2025 for Lunar New Year celebrations, while our clinic at Mt Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre remains open from 0900-1300 hours on 28 January 2025.
Please leave a message in our voice mails and we will respond to you as soon as we can when we resume our clinics on 31 January 2025. If you require any urgent assistance, kindly go to the Urgent Care Centre of any hospitals or contact your doctor through the Emergency Answering Service. Our team at Nexus Surgical would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year with good health in the Year of the Snake!
Nexus Surgical will be away from 17 to 20 October 2024 for our Annual Company Retreat. The aim of our retreat is to review and to recharge, so that we may serve you better.
Our clinics at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Alvernia and Parkway East hospitals will therefore be closed during this period. In the meantime, if you require any urgent assistance, kindly contact us through our Answering Service at +65 6333 5550.
We thank you for your understanding and patience for any inconvenience.
