Umbilical Hernia Repair • Katy & Sugar Land
Umbilical Hernia Repair in Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Belly Button Hernia Surgery for Adults — Open, Laparoscopic & Robotic
An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or just beside the belly button, where fat or a small loop of intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. In babies these often close on their own. In adults they do not, and they tend to enlarge slowly over the years.
Many adults live with a small umbilical hernia for a long time before it starts to ache, catch on a belt, or become a worry. Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, repairs umbilical hernias for patients across Katy, Sugar Land, and Greater Houston, choosing between open, laparoscopic, and robotic repair based on the size of the hernia and the patient.
This page covers why adult umbilical hernias form, when they need surgery, how mesh is used, what the operation involves, and what to expect afterward. For every hernia type we treat, see the main hernia repair page.
Board-Certified
General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist
⭐ Rated 5 Stars
by Patients on Google
2 Convenient Locations
Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Open, Laparoscopic & Robotic
Umbilical Hernia Repair — Request a Consultation
Understanding the Condition
What Causes an Adult Umbilical Hernia?
A natural weak point under pressure
Before birth, the umbilical cord passes through an opening in the abdominal wall. After birth that opening closes, but the scar it leaves at the navel remains one of the thinnest points in the abdominal wall for life.
Anything that raises pressure inside the abdomen over time can push tissue through that point:
- Pregnancy, particularly multiple pregnancies
- Weight gain and abdominal obesity
- Chronic coughing or constipation
- Heavy lifting or straining
- Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) from liver disease
- Previous abdominal surgery near the navel
Umbilical hernias in adults are usually acquired rather than left over from childhood, and they are among the most common hernias Dr. Shakir repairs. Our article on umbilical hernias in adults covers the early signs in more detail.
Typical symptoms
- A soft bulge at or beside the belly button
- A navel that has become an “outie” in adulthood
- Bulge that is more obvious when standing, coughing, or straining
- Aching, pressure, or a dull pain around the navel
- Discomfort that increases after a long day or exercise
- Tenderness when the area is pressed
- A bulge that is slowly getting larger
- Difficulty pushing the bulge back in
Small hernias may cause no symptoms at all and are noticed incidentally on an exam or a CT scan done for another reason.
When an Umbilical Hernia Needs Urgent Care
Umbilical hernias have a relatively narrow opening, which makes it possible for tissue to become trapped (incarcerated). If the blood supply is cut off (strangulation), emergency surgery is needed. Seek immediate care for:
- Sudden, severe pain at the navel
- A bulge that is firm, very tender, red, or purple
- A hernia that will no longer go back in
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal bloating
- Inability to pass gas or stool
- Fever with a painful bulge
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if these occur.
A Careful Surgical Evaluation
How Dr. Shakir Decides Whether to Repair an Umbilical Hernia
Not every adult umbilical hernia needs surgery right away. The decision rests on size, symptoms, the risk of the hernia becoming trapped, and the patient’s overall situation.
01
Examination
The hernia is examined standing and lying down, and while you cough or bear down. Dr. Shakir estimates the size of the opening (the defect), which matters more than the size of the bulge, and checks for a separation of the rectus muscles above and below the navel.
02
Imaging When Needed
Most umbilical hernias need no imaging. An ultrasound or CT scan is useful when the exam is difficult, when the hernia is large, when a rectus diastasis is suspected, or when liver disease or ascites may be contributing.
03
Symptoms and Size
A small (under about 1 cm), painless hernia in a healthy adult can often be observed. Hernias that hurt, are enlarging, are larger than 1 to 2 cm, or have ever become stuck are usually repaired. Larger defects carry a higher risk of incarceration.
04
Pregnancy Plans
For women planning further pregnancies, timing matters. A small asymptomatic hernia is often left until childbearing is complete because pregnancy can stress a fresh repair. A symptomatic or enlarging hernia may still warrant repair beforehand.
05
Weight and Health
Obesity, smoking, diabetes, and liver disease with ascites all increase recurrence and complication risk. When these can be improved before surgery, Dr. Shakir may recommend a short delay to do so.
06
Previous Surgery
Prior laparoscopic ports at the navel, a previous umbilical repair, or other abdominal operations affect the choice of approach and whether mesh is placed.
Belly Button Bulge Getting Bigger or Sore?
A short consultation will tell you whether it is safe to watch, or whether repair now will spare you a bigger operation later.
Treatment Options
Umbilical Hernia Repair Techniques
Three techniques are used. For a small hernia the simplest is often the best; for larger defects or heavier patients, a minimally invasive repair with mesh behind the muscle is usually preferred.
Open Umbilical Hernia Repair
A small curved incision is made just below or above the navel. The hernia contents are returned to the abdomen and the defect is closed with sutures. For defects larger than about 1 cm, a small piece of mesh is placed under the muscle to reinforce the repair.
Open repair is usually an outpatient procedure, can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation, and leaves a scar hidden in the fold of the navel.
Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair
Three small incisions away from the navel allow the hernia to be repaired from inside the abdomen, with mesh placed against the inner abdominal wall. Suited to larger defects, recurrent umbilical hernias, and patients where an incision through the navel is undesirable. Laparoscopic vs. open repair.
Robotic Umbilical Hernia Repair
Uses the same small incisions as a laparoscopic repair. The wristed instruments allow Dr. Shakir to close the defect with sutures from inside and place mesh between the abdominal wall layers rather than directly against the intestine. Often chosen for umbilical hernias combined with a rectus diastasis or for heavier patients. See robotic hernia repair.
Planning Details
Mesh and Combined Repairs
Is Mesh Needed for Umbilical Hernia Repair?
For very small defects (under about 1 cm) in a slim, healthy adult, suture repair without mesh is reasonable and avoids a foreign material. For defects larger than that, and for most patients with obesity, prior recurrence, or a diastasis, mesh markedly lowers the chance of the hernia coming back.
The mesh used is small and sits flat behind the muscle. Dr. Shakir discusses the type, the position, and the trade-offs before surgery so that the decision is yours as well as his.
Umbilical Hernia With Rectus Diastasis
Many adults, especially after pregnancy or significant weight change, have a separation of the two rectus (“six-pack”) muscles along the midline. A hernia at the navel often sits in the middle of that gap.
Repairing only the hernia in this setting leaves the surrounding wall weak. A robotic repair that closes the diastasis and reinforces it with mesh addresses both at once. Whether this is appropriate depends on the width of the separation and your symptoms.
Surgery and Recovery
Surgery Day and Recovery
What happens on surgery day
- You arrive at the surgical center having followed the fasting and medication instructions in our pre-operative guide.
- Anesthesia is given — general for laparoscopic or robotic repair; general or local with sedation for open repair.
- The operation takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes for an open repair and 60 to 90 minutes for a minimally invasive repair.
- You spend an hour or two in recovery and go home the same day.
- A follow-up visit is scheduled within one to two weeks.
Recovery after umbilical hernia surgery
Same day. Almost all umbilical hernia repairs are outpatient. You go home a few hours after surgery with a driver.
First week. Soreness at the navel, some bruising, and a bloated feeling after a minimally invasive repair are normal. Walking is encouraged immediately. Showering is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours; keep the navel clean and dry afterward.
Work. Desk work within a few days to a week. Physical work in two to four weeks.
Lifting and exercise. Avoid lifting more than about 10 to 15 pounds and avoid core exercise for four to six weeks; larger repairs with mesh and diastasis closure may need six to eight weeks. Follow the timeline Dr. Shakir gives you and our post-operative instructions.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Umbilical Hernia Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Dr. Shakir is a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist serving Katy, Sugar Land, and Greater Houston. He earned his medical degree at Aga Khan University, completed General Surgery residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
He repairs umbilical hernias of every size, from a simple suture repair to robotic mesh repair combined with diastasis closure.
Board certified by the American Board of Surgery in:
- General Surgery
- Complex General Surgical Oncology
Surgical focus:
- Umbilical and abdominal wall hernia repair
- Open, laparoscopic, and robotic technique
- Hernia repair with rectus diastasis
- Recurrent and complex hernias
Recognized by Houstonia Magazine among Houston’s top general surgeons. Learn more about all hernia repair services.
Why Patients Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Umbilical Hernia Repair?
Board-Certified Surgical Expertise
Board certified in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
The Right-Sized Repair
Small hernias get a simple repair; larger or combined problems get mesh and a minimally invasive approach.
Open, Laparoscopic & Robotic
All three techniques available, chosen by defect size, body habitus, and history.
Timing Advice You Can Trust
Including honest guidance on waiting until after pregnancy when that is the wiser path.
Clear Communication
You leave knowing whether mesh will be used, why, and what recovery will involve.
Katy & Sugar Land Offices
Consultations and follow-up at two Fort Bend County locations.
Locations
Two Convenient Fort Bend County Offices
Umbilical hernia consultations and follow-up visits are available at both offices. View all locations.
Katy Office
Convenient for patients from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, and West Houston.
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
410 W Grand Pkwy S
Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Belly button hernia evaluation, open and minimally invasive repair, and post-operative follow-up.
Sugar Land Office
Convenient for patients from Sugar Land, Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City, and Fort Bend County.
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
17510 W Grand Pkwy S
Suite 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Belly button hernia evaluation, open and minimally invasive repair, and post-operative follow-up.
Patient Reviews
What Patients Say About Hernia Repair
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5 Stars by Patients on Google. Real experiences from patients treated in Katy and Sugar Land.
Jide Eboh
Houston · Hernia Repair
Surgical associates of Southern Texas is a great practice with amazing medical assistants, staff, and a great surgeon. Dr.Murtaza did a routine and successful Hernia repair with no complications. The staff was very kind and accompanying of my schedule as I am constantly out of town. I would recommend him to anyone searching for a general surgeon.
sayCol
Google Review · Local Guide
Dr. Shakir and all his staff have been so great. He is very kind and knowledgeable. I was able to find an appointment pretty soon as well as a surgery date. I felt safe and informed all the way through and my recovery has been great. Thank you everyone!!
See what more patients are saying about their experience with Dr. Shakir.
FAQ
Umbilical Hernia Questions
Does an adult umbilical hernia need surgery?
Not always immediately. Adult umbilical hernias do not close on their own, but a small, painless one can often be watched. Repair is usually recommended when the hernia hurts, enlarges, exceeds about 1 to 2 cm, or has ever become stuck.
Can a belly button hernia get bigger?
Yes. Umbilical hernias tend to enlarge gradually as the opening stretches under abdominal pressure. Larger hernias are more likely to cause symptoms and slightly more likely to trap tissue.
Is mesh needed for umbilical hernia repair?
For defects under about 1 cm in a healthy, slim patient, suture repair alone is reasonable. For larger defects and most patients with obesity or a previous recurrence, mesh significantly lowers the recurrence rate.
Can an umbilical hernia be repaired robotically?
Yes. Robotic repair is particularly useful for larger umbilical hernias, hernias with a rectus diastasis, and heavier patients, because the defect can be sutured closed and mesh placed within the abdominal wall layers.
How long is recovery after umbilical hernia surgery?
Home the same day; desk work within about a week; lifting and core exercise limited for four to six weeks (longer for larger repairs with diastasis closure).
Will my belly button look normal afterward?
In most cases, yes. The open incision is hidden in the fold of the navel, and minimally invasive incisions are placed away from it. Very large hernias that have stretched the skin may leave some change in the navel’s shape.
Should I wait until after pregnancy to have my umbilical hernia repaired?
If the hernia is small and not bothering you, waiting until you have finished having children is often sensible. If it is painful, enlarging, or has become stuck, repair beforehand may still be recommended. This is an individual discussion.
Can I push the hernia back in myself?
A reducible hernia will often go back in on its own when you lie down. If it will not go back in, or becomes painful and firm, seek care promptly rather than forcing it.
What is the difference between an umbilical hernia and diastasis recti?
Diastasis is a widening of the gap between the rectus muscles without a true hole in the abdominal wall; it causes a midline bulge on sitting up but does not trap tissue. An umbilical hernia is a true opening at the navel. The two often occur together.
Is umbilical hernia surgery painful?
Most patients describe a few days of soreness at the navel, controlled with over-the-counter medication. Larger repairs with mesh can be more uncomfortable for the first week.
Can an umbilical hernia come back after repair?
Yes, though recurrence is uncommon after a mesh repair. Obesity, smoking, and lifting too soon are the main risk factors. Recurrent umbilical hernias can be repaired, usually with mesh and a minimally invasive approach.
Where can I have an umbilical hernia repaired near Katy or Sugar Land?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir evaluates patients at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494 and 17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Call 713-955-9191.
Schedule an Umbilical Hernia Consultation
If you have a bulge at your belly button that is growing, aching, or worrying you, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir.
A consultation can help determine:
- Whether the bulge is an umbilical hernia, a diastasis, or both
- Whether it is safe to watch or better to repair now
- Whether mesh is advisable for your defect
- Which technique — open, laparoscopic, or robotic — fits your situation
- What recovery and lifting restrictions will look like
Serving patients throughout: Katy • Sugar Land • Richmond • Fulshear • West Houston • Greater Houston