Personalized Medical Treatment for Hernias

Your abdomen is a vital part of your body that gets a workout every day just keeping you balanced as you go about daily activities. So when you are experiencing symptoms such as bulges, discomfort/achiness, sharp pain, nausea and vomiting, or a bowel obstruction it is important to identify the problem and get solutions that help you take control of your health.

At Midtown Surgical & Skin Institute, we care about collaborating with you to find the correct approach for your hernia concerns. Our compassionate, personalized medical consultations make it easier for you to feel better and enjoy your life, your way.

Meet your Doctor

William Hanner D.O.

Surgeon and Founder

General Surgery

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Signs and Symptoms of Hernias

The most common signs of a hernia include:

Lump or bulge in the abdomen or groin
Bulge that disappears when lying down, then reappears after straining, laughing, crying, coughing or other physical activities
Bulge that is not able to be pushed back in, causing severe pain
Pain where the bulge or lump appears
Pain that occurs while lifting objects or straining
Bulge that grows bigger over time
Dull achiness at the bulge site
Bowel obstruction or constipation
Nausea and vomiting if bulge is painful and not able to be pushed back in

Other symptoms may appear for other abdominal issues, from stomach pain and nausea to constipation and other issues. It’s a good idea to consult a medical professional for personalized advice.

Types of Hernias

Hernias can occur in many areas of your abdomen. The most frequent types are:

Inguinal hernia — Bulge in the groin area at the top of the thigh. It can extend into the scrotum in males. This is the most common hernia.
Umbilical hernia — Bulge located inside or around the belly button.
Incisional hernia — Bulge at a previous incision. Results when tissue (intestines, etc.) pushes through a scar in the abdomen or pelvic region.
Hiatal hernia (aka Diaphragmatic hernia) — The stomach pushes up into the chest region through the diaphragm. This can cause symptoms of reflux or chest pain.

Less common types of hernia include:

Femoral hernia — Bulge in the lower part of the groin area at the top of the thigh. More common in females than males.
Epigastric hernia — Bulge in the upper abdomen above the belly button.
Spigelian hernia — Below the belly button, and either on the left or right of the abdomen.
Lumbar hernia — A bulge in the lower back between your spine and side of abdomen, just below the ribs. Often can be mistaken for a lipoma.

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Take control of your health and your life by choosing medical providers who are caring and concerned, open and honest. Set up a consultation visit today to see firsthand the compassionate care you will receive from our skilled and friendly team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a hernia?

Normally, our internal organs are held in their proper place by the muscles and tissues that surround them. A hernia occurs when the organ pushes through that muscle or tissue. This can occur due to weakened muscles that you were simply born with, or the result of repeated straining of the muscles through activities such as lifting heavy items, exercise, obesity, pregnancy, or straining during toilet use.

Where do hernias most often show up?

Hernias usually occur in the abdomen, between the chest and the hips, as well as in the groin.

Will my hernia get better on its own? Can I use natural treatments?

Unfortunately, once a hernia forms, it will not get better. In fact, the longer you allow them to be ignored, the bigger and more painful they can become. This leads to a more complicated surgery. The bulging can obstruct other bodily functions or cut off the blood supply to the intestines, which are both dangerous. It is important to consult a medical doctor before a hernia grows worse.

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Diagnosing Hernias

Physical exam — Hernias are most often diagnosed due to their visible appearance and their ability to be pushed back into the body.
CT scan/MRI/Ultrasound — Helps to confirm a hernia.‍
Endoscopy — An EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) may be performed to assess a hiatal hernia.

Medical Solutions

Surgery to repair hernia — Since hernias do not go away on their own, surgery is always necessary to repair the problem and eliminate your symptoms. This also prevents a future complication such as an intestinal obstruction. Laparoscopic surgery techniques, robotic surgery, and rarely open surgery are all options, depending on your needs.
Prescription medicine — For conditions such as a hiatal hernia - dietary and lifestyle modifications, can be helpful and prevent future complications.

Recovery Time

Most people who have surgery for a hernia will go home the same day and recuperate at home. Light activity can usually be resumed after 2 weeks, while more strenuous physical exertion will need to wait for 4-6 weeks after your surgery. This helps prevent a recurrence and allows for greater success with the surgery.

Bruising and swelling is expected around the incisions and overall in the abdominal area.

Steri-strips are placed over the incisions and typically remain until the post-operative appointment.

Recommended Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Since a common cause of hernias is tied to obesity and straining, maintaining a healthy weight and healthy diet is a valuable preventative measure.

Choose a healthy diet and good eating habits.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to prevent constipation (and straining at the toilet).
Don’t lift anything that is too heavy to handle.
Lift objects with proper techniques to avoid straining.
Get medical care for persistent coughing and sneezing.
Avoid smoking, which can lead to persistent coughing. It also compromises wound healing—which can lead to failure of the repair or infections.