This health information blog was written by Griffin Faculty Physicians General Surgeon Dr. Leland Soto.
Hernias are a common health condition that are usually non-life threatening, but they shouldn’t be overlooked.
A hernia is often a visible bulge in the abdomen, the groin and upper thigh. They develop when tissue or organs push through an opening in the abdominal wall. While they usually do not cause significant health issues, hernias can be painful and bothersome, causing severe discomfort, burning, a feeling of pressure or pulling and digestive issues that can keep people from enjoying life. However, a neglected hernia can cause life-threatening complications.
Individuals who see a bulge in their abdomen, groin and upper thigh, or are experiencing any of the symptoms of a hernia, should contact their primary care physician to have it checked.
Risk factors and causes
- Weak abdominal muscles and weak connective tissue are the two main factors that increase the risk of hernias. These muscles and tissue may be weak at birth or become weaker with age, Illnesses or surgery.
- Obesity increases the pressure in the abdomen as well as tumors or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. Abdominal wall hernias are also more common in pregnant women.
- Smoking and chronic diseases like diabetes can make it more difficult for wounds to heal properly after surgery, which can increase the chances for hernias to develop after abdominal surgery.
- Existing hernias can grow in size when individuals lift heavy objects, strain their abdomen and even just cough. These instances can cause hernias depending upon the type of hernia.
Prevention and treatment
Depending upon the type of hernia, there are ways to help prevent them. For example, the risk for a hernia caused by surgical incision can reduced by avoiding physical strains due to activities like carrying heavy objects shortly after surgery. Losing weight can lower the risk of incisional and umbilical (belly button) hernias. Additionally, smoking can make it difficult to heal after surgery, increasing the chance for incisional hernias.
If left untreated, hernias can grow and cause more pain, discomfort and health issues. There’s also a chance that the hernia becomes constricted and trap part of the bowel, causing severe pain, nausea and vomiting. If the hernia pinches a blood vessel, the tissue in the hernia sac might die and result in inflammation. In rare cases, the skin covering the hernia may die and the area may become inflamed, or the hernia might break through the skin.
Surgery is the only care option for hernias. Commonly, the surgeon will push the hernia back into the abdomen or remove it and close the gap in the abdominal wall with stitches. To strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from coming back, a fine synthetic mesh is usually placed on the affected area.
Surgery may not be needed for some hernias, but this can only be determined by a medical professional.
Don’t delay care
If you can see a bulge in your abdomen, groin, upper thigh, or belly button, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a hernia, contact your primary care physician to have it checked.
Treatment may include medication or surgery. The specialists at Griffin Faculty Physicians General Surgery are highly trained and skilled in hernia care and understand that patient-centered and compassionate care are needed for the concerning and sensitive nature of hernia.
For more information and to make an appointment, visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org/specialty-care/general-surgery or call 203-732-3443.