Recognizing Hernia Symptoms

By: Seth Ladd, DO

Hernias can sometimes be difficult to identify, and most people do not really understand how they can present. Many patients simply know they are in pain, and our goal as physicians is to reduce their pain with a surgical or non-surgical solution.

Hernias typically worsen with time and, in some cases, can be quite dangerous, so it is best not to delay consulting with a doctor if you suspect you have a hernia.

What is a hernia?

A hernia occurs when a weakness or opening develops in the muscle or surrounding tissue usually in the abdominal wall, allowing an internal structure to push through.

Types of Hernias:

• Inguinal hernia- occurs when a portion of the intestine presses through the wall of the inguinal canal in the groin
• Umbilical hernia- commonly occurs in newborns as a result of an incomplete formation of the abdominal wall, but can also present later in life
• Femoral hernia- presents when tissue pushes through the groin/upper thigh area
• Epigastric hernia- occurs when a weakness develops in the abdominal wall between the umbilicus and the chest wall and an internal structure pushes through
• Incisional hernia- happens when a hernia occurs through a previous incision from prior surgery

Signs You May Have a Hernia:

Patients usually notice a visible bulge in the abdomen or groin, or feel pain or heaviness in the affected area.

Some hernias are present at birth while others can appear later in life, typically due to the following events:

• Lifting a heavy object
• After a surgery
• Forceful coughing or repetitive sneezing
• Following an injury
• Straining to urinate or defecate

How We Can Help:

Sometimes hernias may not require immediate treatment, especially if they are small and not causing pain. In this case, patients will need to see a physician regularly so that the hernia can be monitored over time.

In other cases, surgery is necessary. Hernia repair surgery typically involves returning the protruding tissue to the correct place and reinforcing the weakened area of the abdominal wall, often with the use of surgical mesh or sutures.

In some cases, surgery is urgently needed, such as when the intestine becomes strangulated, cutting off blood supply to the affected portion of the intestines. Prolonged loss of blood flow causes the tissue to become necrotic, which can be life-threatening.

Hernia surgery can typically be done through minimally invasive means such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which means patients experience much less pain and a shorter recovery time.

Our team at South Central General Surgery is trained in hernia repair, and our goal is to help return our patients to health so they can live their daily lives safely and comfortably.

About South Central General Surgery:

South Central General Surgery staff: Joshua Holifield, DO; R. Kevin Ivey, MD; Seth Ladd, DO; Chad Saul, MD perform a variety of high-quality surgical procedures.