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An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakness in the umbilical ring, the natural opening in the abdominal wall at the navel. It is commonly seen in infants due to incomplete closure of the abdominal muscles after birth, but it can also affect adults, especially those with increased intra-abdominal pressure. Risk factors in adults include obesity, multiple pregnancies, chronic cough, ascites, and heavy lifting.

Clinically, it presents as a soft swelling at the umbilicus that may increase in size while coughing, straining, or standing. In children, most umbilical hernias are painless and often resolve spontaneously by the age of 3–5 years. However, in adults, spontaneous closure is unlikely, and surgical repair is usually recommended.

Complications include incarceration, where the herniated tissue becomes trapped, and strangulation, where blood supply is compromised, leading to ischemia and possible bowel necrosis. These conditions require urgent surgical intervention.

Treatment involves herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty, often with mesh reinforcement in adults to reduce recurrence rates. The prognosis after surgery is generally excellent, with low complication and recurrence rates when appropriately managed.