What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia arises when the hole from the umbilical chord does not close properly. This means that the only thing that is separating the abdominal organs from the outside world is the skin covering the hernia (the hole in the abdominal wall). Small hernias rarely cause issues. Usually small amounts of abdominal fat protrude from these. Larger hernias can however lead to significant complications if intestines or vessels from within the abdomen protrude and get stuck and swell up. This is very painful and can be life threatening.