What Are Inguinal & Umbilical Hernias?
A hernia happens when part of an internal organ, such as a portion of your stomach or intestines, pushes through muscle or tissue. When this happens, a lump forms under the skin. Hernias develop because of strained or weakened abdominal muscles. Two types of hernias are very common:
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Inguinal hernias develop in the groin. These are the most common type of hernia.
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Umbilical hernias develop near the belly button. They’re the second most common type of hernia.
Some factors increase your risk of an inguinal or umbilical hernia:
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Childbirth
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Conditions that increase abdominal pressure, such as liver disease with fluid in the belly
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Obesity
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Smoking
Children can also have umbilical hernias or inguinal hernias. Often, they are born with the hernia.
Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia Symptoms in Adults
The most common symptom of an inguinal or umbilical hernia is a lump or bulge near your groin or belly button. Hernias can be painful, especially when you do something like lifting, coughing, or sneezing.
Call 911 or go to an emergency department if you experience severe hernia symptoms:
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A lump that hardens and can’t be pushed back in
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Changes to the color of the lump
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Nausea or vomiting
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Severe pain that doesn’t go away
When to See a General Surgeon for a Hernia
You should see a general surgeon if you have a hernia that hurts. You don’t usually need surgery unless the hernia is painful.
Why Choose University of Utah Health?
Experienced, Compassionate Providers
Our general surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in all types of hernia surgery. You receive care from friendly and compassionate team members who prioritize your needs and preferences.
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We’re well-equipped to care for patients with complex needs. As an academic center, U of U Health is at the forefront of innovation, emphasizing data-driven, research-based care.
Improving Patient Care, One Patient at a Time
We track our surgical outcomes closely so that we can continually improve our care. Our surgeons are also dedicated to minimizing opioid use, using a range of approaches to reduce pain safely.
Find a Hernia Surgeon
15 Resulting Health Care Providers
Alexander Lorenzo Colonna, MD, MSCI, FACS
Toby M. Enniss, MD, FACS, MBA
Joanna Grudziak, MD, MPH, FACS
Carla N. Holcomb, MD, MSPH, FACS
Ram Nirula, MD, MPH, FACS
Thomas H. Shoultz, MD, FACS
Hernia Diagnosis
Your provider can usually diagnose an umbilical hernia by physically examining it. You may get a CT scan if your provider suspects the hernia is very large. The scan helps your surgeon plan their surgical approach.
Sometimes we can diagnose inguinal hernias by physically examining the area. In other cases, you may get an ultrasound to get a closer look. Your provider may ask you to cough or bear down during the test to help make the hernia more visible.
How to Prepare for Hernia Surgery
Your care team will give you specific instructions to prepare for hernia surgery. You will need to stop eating by midnight the night before the procedure. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a while.
Avoid shaving the area before surgery. Shaving can increase your risk of infection. Your surgical team will take care of any hair around the hernia during your operation.
What to Expect During Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Your surgeon may use open or minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive techniques include laparoscopy (a thin, lighted tube) and robotic surgery.
The technique depends on whether you’ve had hernia surgery before and whether you have multiple hernias. You get general anesthesia to remain asleep during inguinal hernia surgery.
You usually return home the same day. You may stay overnight in the hospital if you have chronic health conditions that require additional monitoring.
In the open approach, your surgeon follows several steps:
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Makes an incision in your groin above the hernia
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Moves the herniated organ back into your abdomen where it should be
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Reinforces the area with mesh that helps your body create scar tissue so the organ causing the hernia stays in place
In the minimally invasive approach, your surgeon follows similar steps:
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Makes three small incisions along your belly button
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Moves the organ that’s causing the hernia back to where it should be
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Reinforces the area with mesh
What to Expect During Umbilical Hernia Surgery
You get local anesthesia to remain numb during umbilical hernia surgery. Your surgeon follows several steps:
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Makes an incision shaped like a half-circle above or below your belly button
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Moves the organ causing the hernia back into your abdomen where it should be
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Reinforces the area with mesh if the hernia is larger than 0.5–2 centimeters
You usually return home on the same day as the procedure. Numbness from the anesthesia lasts around six hours.
Recovery from Inguinal or Umbilical Hernia Surgery
You will have some pain after inguinal or umbilical hernia surgery. Your surgeon will give you over-the-counter or prescription medicines to manage pain. You can expect to follow a general recovery timeline:
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First two days—You’ll rest for the first day or two. Avoid showering until about 48 hours have passed.
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One to two weeks—After the first two days, it’s important for you to move. Moving around will help you heal. Do as much as you’re able unless you have pain. The surgical glue or dressing over your stitches should come off naturally in about two weeks.
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Three to four weeks—You’ll have a follow-up phone call or a virtual or in-person appointment with your surgeon. You will discuss your healing and pain levels.
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Six weeks—Avoid lifting more than 20 pounds for up to 6 weeks. This allows your body to create more scar tissue that holds the hernia in place.
Make an Appointment
Call 801-585-1618 to request an appointment with a general surgeon. We don’t require referrals, but some insurance plans do. We recommend checking with your insurance before you make an appointment.
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