Purpose The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether or not the use of mesh is indicated in the repair of all size umbilical hernias as to reduce the rate of recurrence. This method is regularly used in umbilical hernia reconstruction although most surgeons repair small hernias using suture repair (fascia adaptation). Especially risk factors for hernia recurrence such as hernia size and BMI > 30 kg/m2 need to be evaluated and correlated to the method of hernia repair.