I'm a 28-year-old male with a 4.7 mm umbilical hernia. I feel slight pain near my belly button but no other symptoms like constipation. How long might it take for the hernia to grow bigger? Should I consider surgery now or is it okay to wait for several years?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kamran Mohammed

General Practitioner

MBBS
FIDM
5+ Yrs

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In your case, with a small umbilical hernia (4.7 mm) and mild pain, it's generally recommended to monitor it closely and consider surgery if it grows larger, becomes more painful, or causes other issues. Umbilical hernias can grow slowly over time, and while some may spontaneously resolve, they are more likely to require surgery in adults

Dr. Kamran Suggests...

Consult a General Surgeon

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Answered 14/08/2025

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