A hernia is a condition that can occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak area in the muscle or surrounding tissue. Painful, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous — hernias can occur in men and women of all ages.

If you notice an unusual lump or protrusion in your abdomen, groin, or chest, this could be a sign of a hernia. To be sure, the doctor will do a physical examination. You may also need to undergo tests, such as an imaging scan or blood work, to confirm the diagnosis.

Hernia Symptoms

The most common hernia symptom is a bulge or lump in the affected area. Other symptoms may include an aching or burning sensation where the bulge is, weakness, heaviness, or pressure in the affected area, and fullness or a feeling of blockage in your abdomen. There could also be pain or discomfort, especially when coughing, bending over, lifting something heavy, and constipation.

Causes and Complications of Hernia

Causes of hernia include:

  • An opening in a weak spot in its surrounding tissue or muscle
  • Straining during activities that put pressure on the abdomen, such as coughing, lifting heavy objects, or going to the bathroom
  • Being obese puts added pressure on the abdomen.
  • Pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to separate.

Hernias can lead to several complications, such as:

  • Strangulation – This refers to the cutting off of blood supply to the protruding organ or tissue
  • Infertility – In men, a hernia in the groin area can damage the testicles and affect fertility.
  • Bowel obstruction – A hernia can block the intestine, leading to severe pain, vomiting, and constipation.

hernia

3 Common Treatment Options for Hernia

If you have a hernia, the doctor will likely recommend one of the following treatment options:

1. Open surgery

To repair a hernia, your doctor will make an incision in the affected area and push the protruding tissue into place. Repair to the weakened muscle or surrounding tissue will be through stitches or surgical mesh.

Repairing a hernia is a straightforward procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis. Recovery time is usually short, and most people can return to normal activities within a week or two.

2. Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, your doctor will make small incisions in your abdomen and insert a tiny camera called a laparoscope. The camera guides the surgical instruments as they repair the tissue and remove hernia symptoms.

Laparoscopic surgery has several benefits over traditional open surgery, such as a shorter recovery time and less pain and discomfort. This option also presented a lesser risk of infection and reduced scarring.

If you have a small hernia and are not experiencing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring the condition instead of surgery.

3. Robotic surgery

This type of laparoscopic surgery makes use of a mechanical system. The surgeon controls the robotic arms, equipped with tiny surgical instruments, from a console in the operating room.

Robotic surgery has many of the same advantages as traditional laparoscopic surgery.

Get Prompt Medical Treatment for Hernia

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: