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Published on: 5/6/2025

Is It Normal to Have a Lump in the Belly Button After Laparoscopy?

A small lump in the belly button after laparoscopy can sometimes be a sign of a normal healing process, but it can also indicate complications like a hernia or other issues, so it is important to get it checked by your doctor.

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Explanation

After a laparoscopy, many patients experience some changes where the surgical instruments were used. One common area is the belly button (umbilicus). Sometimes, a lump may form as the incision heals. In many cases, this lump may be just scar tissue or a mild swelling, which can be part of normal healing. However, in some cases, the lump might be more concerning. For instance, an umbilical port hernia can develop, especially if the tissues do not heal well or if there is too much strain on the area after surgery. There is also a possibility, though rare, of issues like umbilical endometriosis, where endometrial tissue grows when it shouldn’t be. Other complications after surgery might require further evaluation or even a minor repair. It is best to have any new or painful lumps in your belly button evaluated by a healthcare provider. They may recommend imaging tests or other evaluations to ensure that your healing is on track and to decide if any treatment is needed.

(References)

  • Singh P, Kaushik R, Sharma R. Umbilical port hernia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. J Minim Access Surg. 2006 Mar;2(1):29-30. doi: 10.4103/0972-9941.25675. PMID: 21170225; PMCID: PMC2997219.

  • Munkres B, Espinet M. Umbilical Endometriosis Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Cureus. 2021 Apr 17;13(4):e14538. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14538. PMID: 34017653; PMCID: PMC8130643.

  • Sano R, Oka A, Hirata E, Ochiai H. Umbilical Complications That Require Surgical Intervention after Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 Nov 13;11(11):e5391. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005391. PMID: 37964921; PMCID: PMC10642900.

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