It is best repaired by surgery. An Umbilical Hernia occurs at, or just around the navel. Although very common in children, in adults, it is most common in women, often in those who have had children. An Incisional Hernia may occur at any site where an operation has been performed previously. The scar represents a weakened area, which if stretched over time, may allow the underlying intestines to bulge through.
Repair is often necessary.
On lying flat, or with pressure on the lump, it often disappears, only to return when standing, exercising, lifting or coughing. Generally, a hernia that can be pushed back easily, or flattened, is not an immediate danger to your health, although it can be uncomfortable. However, an untreated hernia will not 'get better' on its own. If left untreated, it is likely that it will continue to increase in size over time and become increasingly painful. Sometimes, hernias can become 'strangulated', cutting off the blood supply to the gut which causes, in turn, an acute blockage.