It is not uncommon for someone to be born with a weakness in their abdominal wall. The weakness can also occur over time or from a previous surgical incision. Pressure from organs or tissue pushing on the weakness can cause a hernia. Age, smoking and obesity can also contribute to weakened tissue.
Quick Facts
There are two choices for your surgical hernia repair that you should discuss with your doctor. The first is the surgical approach. Hernias can be repaired through open surgery, laparoscopic repair, and robotic repair.
The next is the kind of mesh that is used in the surgery. There are three main types of mesh that can be used, synthetic mesh, bioresorbable mesh, and biologic grafts.
Talk to your doctor about your options and make the right choice for you.
Mesh is used for over 90% of hernia repairs.1
Hernia Q&A
The word hernia means "something coming through." It is defined as a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed.
The risk of developing a hernia can be minimized, but hernias cannot be prevented. In fact, certain types of hernias may be present at birth.
Age, smoking and obesity are three of the primary risk factors for developing hernias. Other factors include: weak and/or injured muscles, previous surgical incisions, pregnancy, lifting and straining.
The discomfort you feel - especially when you cough, lift something heavy, or stand for a long time - comes from the constant pressure of tissue pushing its way through the weakened spot in your body. As more tissue pushes through the weakened area, the feeling of pressure increases. A hernia that develops or worsens quickly can produce a sudden intense pain as it enlarges.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million Americans have hernias. Hernias in the groin area (inguinal hernias) are most common in men, primarily because of the unsupported space left in the groin after the testicles descend into the scrotum during development. Hernias in the femoral area, at the top of the thigh, occur most often in women. They commonly result from pregnancy and childbirth. Children can also suffer from hernias. Some people also develop hernias at the site of previous surgical incisions, or in the area of the navel.
A hernia can often be both seen and felt. You may notice it as a lump in your abdomen or groin that may or may not disappear when you lay down or press on it. You may also be aware of a dull aching sensation that becomes more pronounced when you are active. The bulge may get bigger over time. For hiatal hernias, the symptoms may include heartburn, trouble swallowing, or even pain in the chest.
It is not uncommon for someone to be born with a weakness in their abdominal wall. The weakness can also occur over time or from a previous surgical incision. Pressure from organs or tissue pushing on the weakness can cause a hernia. Age, smoking and obesity can also contribute to weakened tissue.
Your physician will be able to evaluate your condition, primarily with a physical examination, and determine whether or not you have a hernia. Your physician will then refer you to consult with a surgeon.
An untreated hernia will not get better on its own, although it may not get worse for months or even years. A hernia that can be easily pushed back in, or is reducible, is generally not an immediate danger to your health, although it can be painful. A reducible hernia should be evaluated by your physician. A non-reducible hernia, however, can become life threatening if part of the intestine gets trapped (incarcerated or strangulated) in the opening. This is dangerous because blood flow to the trapped tissue is restricted and can damage the tissue.
While only your physician can advise you, limiting activity or eliminating excess weight may provide temporary relief. Wearing a truss or binder has also offered temporary relief. The only cure, however, is surgery. There are two reasons for hernia surgery: to prevent or correct a dangerous strangulated hernia, and to eliminate the pain or discomfort that may be limiting your daily activities. Although there are always risks and side effects associated with surgery, today's surgical techniques provide patients with treatment options that offer minimal post-operative discomfort, speedy recovery and lasting relief. For more information see Treatment Options.
Whether you should have surgery is a question only your physician can help you answer. Your physician can tell you more about your condition and treatment options. There is no need to suffer in silence due to fears of surgery and pain. Your doctor is there to help and offer simple and innovative options to help you feel your best.
Your physician will walk you through what to expect once the right surgical approach for your specific situation is determined.
Since hernia surgery is, for the most part, an outpatient procedure, most patients are able to go home anywhere from one to two hours after the surgery. However, some patients may require hospitalization.
The recurrence rates vary by type of hernia, complexity, risk factors and technique selection. Mesh based repairs have been shown to provide the lowest recurrence rates. For more information see Treatment Options.
Like any surgery, there is always a chance for complications, like infection or hernia recurrence. Your physician will discuss these with you prior to surgery.
Yes. Children can be born with hernias. They can be repaired by reducing the hernia and suturing the hole in the tissue back together. You should consult with your pediatrician.