The abdomen contains many organs, leading to confusion about which specialist treats specific issues. Not all abdominal problems fall under the same medical specialty, even though the digestive tract is housed there. Patients often wonder if a gastroenterologist, a specialist in digestive health, treats structural problems like an umbilical hernia. This article clarifies the nature of an umbilical hernia and explains the distinct roles of the specialists involved in its management and treatment.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue, often a portion of the small intestine or fatty tissue, protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall near the navel (umbilicus). This structural defect results in a visible bulge near the belly button, which may become more pronounced when the patient strains, coughs, or cries. The hernia itself is a sac formed by the abdominal lining that pushes out through the fascial defect.
The cause of this weakness differs between age groups, defining the two types of umbilical hernias. In infants, the hernia is generally congenital because the opening for the umbilical cord does not close completely after birth. These typically resolve spontaneously by age five.
In adults, the hernia is acquired due to increased pressure on the abdominal wall. Common factors include obesity, multiple pregnancies, previous abdominal surgery, or chronic coughing. Adult hernias are more likely to worsen over time and do not close on their own, often causing discomfort or pressure. A significant concern is incarceration or strangulation, where the protruding tissue becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off, requiring emergency medical attention.
The Scope of Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is a specialized field of internal medicine focused on the health and diseases of the digestive system and its associated organs. A gastroenterologist (GI doctor) is an expert in the function and internal workings of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Their expertise centers on the internal contents and function of these organs.
Gastroenterologists manage functional disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They also treat structural issues within the digestive tract, such as ulcers or polyps. They perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including colonoscopies and endoscopies, to examine the interior lining of the digestive organs.
A gastroenterologist treats diseases of the digestive organs themselves. An umbilical hernia is fundamentally a defect in the abdominal wall’s physical structure—a problem with the container rather than the contents. Therefore, the treatment for a hernia, which requires physical repair of the muscle layer, falls outside the scope of gastroenterology.
Who Treats Umbilical Hernias?
The General Surgeon treats umbilical hernias. These structural defects require surgical intervention to correct, and general surgeons are trained in the diagnosis and surgical repair of hernias and other abdominal wall conditions. These specialists are skilled in techniques used to push the herniated tissue back into the abdominal cavity and close the defect.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination to feel the soft bulge, which is often sufficient to identify the hernia. Treatment is primarily surgical for adults, as monitoring the condition carries a higher risk of complications. The procedure, known as herniorrhaphy, involves making an incision near the navel, reducing the protruding tissue, and suturing the weakened area closed.
For most adult repairs, the surgeon often reinforces the abdominal wall using a specialized surgical mesh to provide long-term strength and minimize recurrence. The surgery can be performed using traditional open techniques or minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which often results in a faster recovery time. Consulting a general surgeon is the necessary next step once an umbilical hernia has been identified.