Do you notice a lump inside your belly button? Or feel pain in your belly button area? It could be an umbilical hernia, and you are not alone.
Thousands of people in Pune face the same problem every year. The good news is that it can be treated safely with the right hernia surgeon.
Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the most trusted Hernia Specialists in Pune and an experienced Laparoscopic & Robotic GI Surgeon at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune. With over 17 years of surgical experience, he has successfully performed 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia surgeries using advanced minimally invasive techniques. He specializes in laparoscopic, robotic, and complex hernia repair, helping patients recover with less pain, smaller scars, and a shorter hospital stay.
Dr. Samrat Jankar commitment to surgical excellence has earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the Best Doctor in Pune (2025) by Outlook Magazine’s Healthcare Survey, the Gold Medal Fellowship from the Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI), and the First Prize at FISTULACON 2021 for his innovative surgical work. He regularly participates in national and international surgical conferences, where he presents advanced laparoscopic and hernia surgery techniques and stays updated with the latest developments in gastrointestinal surgery. He is also actively involved in clinical research and scientific presentations, ensuring that his patients benefit from the latest evidence-based treatment.
Whether you are an adult or a child with an umbilical hernia, Dr. Jankar provides safe, effective, and personalized umbilical hernia treatment in Pune based on your individual condition.
If you notice a belly button lump, pain around the navel, or swelling that becomes more noticeable while coughing or lifting weight, do not ignore it. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.
Read on to learn everything about umbilical hernia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and the most advanced treatment options available in Pune.
An umbilical hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot near the navel (belly button). You will notice a soft lump or bulge near the umbilicus. It may appear and disappear. It gets bigger when you cough, strain, or stand up.
The medical term for the belly button area is the umbilicus or the umbilical area. When tissue in this region bulges out, it is called an umbilical hernia. This condition affects people of all ages — newborns, children, adults, and pregnant women.
The technical surgical term for repair of this condition is umbilical herniorrhaphy. This means the surgical closure of the umbilical opening to prevent the hernia from returning.
In adults, an umbilical hernia will not heal on its own. Surgery is the only permanent solution.
The umbilical area is naturally a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Several things can make this weakness worse:
During pregnancy, the baby receives nutrition through a blood vessel that passes through the umbilical cord. After birth, this cord is cut, and the area heals. But sometimes the muscles around the umbilical area remain weak, leading to a hernia later.
Prolapse of the umbilical cord is a separate emergency condition during delivery and is different from a hernia. But a pre-existing umbilical hernia during pregnancy can worsen due to increased abdominal pressure and must be monitored closely by your surgeon.
Seek emergency care if:
This may mean the hernia is incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated (blood supply cut off). Both are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate surgery.
1. Physical Examination: In most cases, a physical examination by your hernia specialist is enough to confirm an umbilical hernia. Dr. Jankar will ask you to cough or strain slightly, which makes the hernia bulge more visible. This is a simple, painless process done during your first consultation.
2. Diagnostic Tests (If Needed): In some cases — particularly if the hernia is large or the symptoms are unusual — the following tests may be requested:
These are simple, widely available tests that can be done at any diagnostic centre in Pune. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Jankar will discuss the most suitable treatment plan with you.
Can Umbilical Hernia Be Treated Without Surgery in Adults?
Many people search for the treatment of umbilical hernia in adults without surgery. Here is the honest answer: No. In adults, the hernia opening does not close by itself.
A hernia belt can manage symptoms in the short term. But it does not fix the problem. Over time, the hernia grows larger, and complications increase.
Surgery is the only permanent treatment for an umbilical hernia in adults.
For very small, symptom-free hernias, watchful waiting may be advised temporarily. But surgery is recommended in almost all adult cases.
The surgeon makes a small cut near the belly button. The herniated tissue is pushed back in. The muscles are stitched. A surgical mesh may be added for extra strength.
Best for: Larger hernias or complex cases. Recovery: 4–6 weeks for full activity. Hospital stay: 1–2 days.
This is the most preferred method today. Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in Pune and specialises in this technique.
How it works: Only 3–4 tiny cuts (5–10 mm) are made. A small camera goes in. The surgeon watches on a screen. The hernia is repaired and a mesh is placed from the inside. Stitches dissolve on their own.
Why patients prefer it?
Robotic surgery is the most advanced hernia treatment available in Pune.
Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the very few surgeons in Pune offering robotic umbilical hernia surgery. The robotic system gives the surgeon a 3D view and micro-precise control of instruments.
Benefits:
A common question is: “What is the umbilical hernia surgery cost in Pune?”
Here is a transparent cost breakdown:
Umbilical Hernia Surgery Cost in Pune:
Umbilical Hernia Cost in India (national average):
Recovery is fast — especially with laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
Diet After Umbilical Hernia Surgery:
Can Hernia Come Back After Surgery?
Recurrence is rare when mesh repair is done by an experienced surgeon. The mesh permanently reinforces the abdominal wall. With proper post-operative care, the success rate is excellent.
Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the most respected hernia specialists and laparoscopic surgeons in Pune. Here is why patients across Pune and Maharashtra trust him:
With over 17 years of surgical experience, Dr. Samrat Jankar has treated thousands of patients with hernia and gastrointestinal diseases. His expertise helps patients receive the right treatment at the right time with the best possible outcomes.
He has performed thousands of laparoscopic procedures with excellent safety and recovery outcomes.
Dr. Jankar has successfully performed 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia surgeries, including umbilical, inguinal, incisional, ventral, recurrent, and complex hernias. His experience allows him to manage both routine and difficult cases with confidence.
He specializes in laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair, including TEP, TAPP, IPOM, e-TEP, and abdominal wall reconstruction. These advanced techniques help reduce pain, minimize blood loss, create smaller scars, shorten hospital stay, and allow faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Dr. Samrat Jankar has received several prestigious recognitions for his contribution to gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery, including: Best Doctor in Pune (2025) – Outlook Magazine Healthcare Survey Gold Medal Fellowship – Association of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI) First Prize at FISTULACON 2021 for his innovative LASER LIFT surgical technique Best Video Award at AMASICON 2019 for excellence in advanced laparoscopic surgery
Every patient receives an individual treatment plan. Dr. Jankar explains the condition and options in simple, clear language. No medical jargon.
ACRSI-certified surgeon. Trained at India's top GI hospital. Gold medal winner. Not just a general surgeon — a dedicated GI and hernia specialist.
Your surgery is performed at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune, equipped with modern laparoscopic and robotic operation theatres, advanced diagnostic facilities, experienced surgical staff, and dedicated post-operative care for a safe and comfortable treatment experience.
Shop 208–209, Oriana Crest Building, Datta Mandir Road, Opp. Costa Rica Society, Wakad, Pune. Phone: 079041 39064
Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC), Kothrud, Hadapsar, Wanowrie, Viman Nagar, Baner, Hinjewadi, Pimpri, Aundh, Kharadi, and all areas of Pune.
Do not wait for the hernia to get worse.
Early treatment is simpler, faster, and safer.
Dr. Samrat Jankar — the best hernia specialist in Pune — is ready to help you. Whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or are ready for surgery, our team at Dr. Samrat Jankar’s Clinic will guide you every step of the way.
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No. In adults, the hernia does not close on its own. Surgery is the only permanent treatment. Very small, asymptomatic hernias may be monitored temporarily, but surgery is recommended in most adult cases to prevent complications.
With laparoscopic surgery, pain is minimal. Most patients feel mild soreness for 2–3 days, easily controlled with simple pain medication. There is no major cutting involved.
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery typically takes 30–60 minutes under general anaesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.
For most patients, laparoscopic surgery is better. It offers faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars. Open surgery is preferred for very large or complicated hernias.
Yes. Walking is encouraged on the same day as your surgery. Just avoid heavy lifting or straining for 4–6 weeks.
Yes. All major health insurance policies in India cover umbilical hernia surgery. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) also covers it. Our team helps with claim support.
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery in Pune costs ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000. Robotic surgery ranges from ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,60,000. The exact cost depends on the surgery type, surgeon, and hospital.
Yes. Pregnancy increases pressure on the umbilical area and can worsen a pre-existing hernia. Surgery is usually done after delivery unless there is an emergency.
Dr. Samrat Jankar is one of the top hernia specialists and laparoscopic surgeons in Pune — with 17+ years of experience, 1,000+ hernia surgeries, and expertise in robotic surgery.
The hernia grows larger over time. The tissue inside can get trapped (incarcerated) or lose blood supply (strangulated). Both are medical emergencies. Early treatment is always safer.
A lump near or inside the belly button is often the first sign of an umbilical hernia. It may feel soft and small at first, but it grows over time. Get it evaluated by a specialist immediately.
Umbilical herniorrhaphy is the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia. The surgeon closes the opening in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus, usually reinforced with a surgical mesh.