What Is a Hernia?

April 19, 2022 3:35 pm Published by

hernia.

A hernia develops when an intestine, organ or fatty tissue pushes through an opening or a weak spot in the surrounding muscle, typically in the abdomen or groin. Abdominal hernias located in the groin make up about 75% of hernias treated.

While the weakness or opening in the muscles may be present at birth, hernias more commonly develop as we age. Pressure—which can be caused by anything from childbirth to obesity, weightlifting to strained bowel movements—causes the organ to slip through the muscle opening or weakness.

Types of Hernias

Magnolia Regional Health Center’s general surgery experts provide treatment for several types of hernias located throughout the body, including:

  • Femoral: Upper thigh/outer groin
  • Hiatal: Inside the abdomen along the top of the stomach/diaphragm (not visible)
  • Incisional: Through an incision or scar in the abdomen
  • Inguinal: Inner groin
  • Umbilical: At the belly button
  • Ventral: General abdominal wall

Symptoms of a Hernia

A hernia typically appears as a bulge under the skin. Some hernias are only visible when the affected muscles are tensed. While they may not have any symptoms, hernias can cause pain, burning or feelings of pressure during physical strain.

A sudden change in symptoms, such as pain, nausea or vomiting, may mean the hernia sac is blocked. This is serious and requires emergency medical attention to prevent further damage.

Hiatal hernias occur internally when the top of the stomach enters the muscles of the diaphragm. They may cause heartburn and trouble swallowing or breathing.

Hernia Treatment

Hernias do not go away on their own. Surgery is necessary if a physician cannot push the organ back through the muscle or tissue. The Food and Drug Administration reports more than 1 million hernia repairs are performed annually in the United States.

The general surgery team at MRHC provides inpatient and outpatient surgical services to treat a hernia quickly and get you back to your active life. Open hernia repair is performed through a larger incision that allows the doctor to reinsert the organ and repair the weakened muscle or tissue. Laparoscopic hernia repair uses miniature instruments and cameras that allow the doctor to perform the surgery through smaller incisions.

A medical device commonly used to repair hernias is surgical mesh. Surgical mesh is made from synthetic materials or medical grade animal tissue. It’s placed over the weakened muscle or tissue to strengthen it. Surgical mesh helps decrease the likelihood of a hernia reoccurring, and it decreases recovery time following a repair.

General surgeons at MRHC are available to walk you through each step of a hernia repair. This includes post-surgery recovery, a vital part of ensuring any procedure is a success.

 

Need hernia treatment? MRHC general surgeons can repair your hernia and perform many other procedures. Schedule your appointment today.

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center

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