A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue causing pain, discomfort, and visible bulges. Symptoms can limit your ability to perform physical activities and cause constant discomfort. Treatment, typically through surgery, can reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your overall quality of life.
Hernias are complex conditions where internal tissues or organs protrude through weakened areas, leading to visible bulges. Lifestyle changes can help prevent some hernias, but surgery is often necessary for effective management of symptomatic cases.
Understanding Hernias
Some hernias are so small that you don’t even realize you have them. Others can cause more problematic symptoms and lead to more severe complications. The size and location of your hernia will influence the type of treatment you need or whether your doctor recommends treatment at all.
What is a hernia?
Pressure within the body can force tissue — or even one of your organs — through a pre-existing opening, weakened muscle tissue, or weakened connective tissue (fascia). This results in the bulging under the skin known as a hernia. They can be something you were born with or develop later in life.
The increased pressure necessary to create a hernia can have many causes. One of the most common causes is lifting heavy objects incorrectly. This occurs when people “lift with their back” and fail to stabilize their abdominal muscles.
Risk factors
Some risk factors for hernias can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle. These risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Obesity
Preventing hernias isn’t 100% guaranteed. Fortunately, you can take smart steps to avoid them by pursuing a healthy lifestyle, using proper form when lifting heavy objects, and not lifting heavy objects beyond your ability. You should also see your doctor if you’re experiencing constant sneezing or coughing.
Types of Hernias
The type of hernia you have depends on where the herniated organ or tissue is located. Other factors such as biological sex and age play a part, as well.
Epigastric hernias
An epigastric hernia is a common condition where a small piece of fat pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall between the belly button and the breastbone. This area is called the epigastrium. The hernia appears as a bump or swelling that may be visible all the time or only when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
While often asymptomatic, some people experience pain or tenderness in the affected area. Epigastric hernias can occur in both adults and children, with a higher prevalence in males. They may be present at birth or develop later in life.
Hiatal hernias
A hiatal hernia is a result of pressure that forces your stomach through the same opening that your esophagus passes down through. This opening is known as the hiatus. Hiatal hernias can differ in size, which will influence your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.
- Small hiatal hernias can often go unnoticed until your doctor finds it while checking for something else.
- Large hiatal hernias can cause food and stomach acids to get backed up into your esophagus, resulting in noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of larger hiatal hernias can be minimal, such as heartburn or difficulty swallowing. However, symptoms can progress into vomiting blood or black stool. Talk to your doctor immediately if your symptoms have become persistent or more severe.
Incisional hernias
An incisional hernia occurs at or near the site of a previous surgical incision. They develop when abdominal organs or tissues protrude through a weakened area of the abdominal wall that was compromised by the prior surgery. These hernias typically appear as a bulge or protrusion at the incision site and are most likely to form within three to six months after surgery.
They can result from factors such as:
- Infection
- Incomplete wound healing
- Increased abdominal pressure due to pregnancy
Incisional hernias account for 15-20% of all abdominal hernias and do not heal on their own. They can cause discomfort, pain, and, in some cases, lead to serious complications like bowel obstruction or strangulation, requiring surgical intervention for proper treatment.
Although small hernias might not require treatment, larger ones or those causing symptoms typically need surgical repair to prevent complications such as bowel obstruction or tissue damage. Surgery involves closing the weak spot with stitches or synthetic mesh.
Inguinal hernias
Inguinal hernias are one of the most common types of hernias. They’re the result of an organ, such as the intestines, pushing through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and into the inguinal canal, bulging through the lower abdomen or groin area. They can be especially painful when bending over, coughing, or lifting something heavy.
These hernias can lead to serious complications that may be life-threatening if left untreated. Your doctor is likely to recommend abdominal surgery to treat this common form of hernia if your symptoms intensify.
An inguinal hernia may also be called a groin hernia since it usually affects the groin area. You’ll notice a bulge on either side of your pubic bone that is more apparent when standing up. Coughing and straining will make it even more pronounced.
Umbilical hernias
Umbilical hernias are the result of your intestine pushing through an opening or weak spot near your navel. They’re more common in infants, but it is possible for adults to develop them.
For children, they’re usually harmless, and most close up by age two, although some can take until the child is five years old. Adults with umbilical hernias will probably require surgical treatment.
Umbilical hernias in children usually present themselves as a soft swelling or bulge near the belly button. The bulge is usually painless and only visible when the child is under some kind of stress or strain. Seek medical attention immediately if your child has an umbilical hernia and is vomiting, showing signs of pain, or has tenderness or discoloration near the hernia.
Diagnosis
Hernias are primarily diagnosed through a combination of patient history and physical examination. During the exam, your doctor inspects and palpates the affected area, looking for a visible bulge or lump. You may be asked to stand, cough, or perform certain movements to make the hernia more prominent.
This clinical examination is usually sufficient for diagnosis. However, when the diagnosis is uncertain or more detailed information is needed, imaging techniques may be used. Ultrasound is often the first choice due to its accuracy and lack of radiation. A CT scan and MRI can provide more comprehensive evaluations, especially for complex cases or surgical planning.
Treatment for Hernias
Your hernia treatment will depend on the type of hernia you have and its location. Smaller hernias may not require surgery repair and your doctor may opt to monitor your symptoms until they become more severe.
Your doctor may recommend using a truss to help support the herniated area and hold it in the proper position. In the case of a hiatal hernia, they may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication to help relieve discomfort due to acid reflux.
In the end, surgery is the best solution for treating hernias. This can be done using laparoscopic surgery or open surgery depending on its size and location. Your healthcare team will work together to create a plan that fulfills your surgical needs best.
Do you need hernia treatment in Evansville, IN? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Hernias occur when body tissues push through weak muscles or connective areas, creating noticeable lumps. Their complexity ranges from minor to serious, with treatments spanning watchful waiting to surgical repair. Preventive lifestyle choices can reduce risks, but medical intervention remains crucial for problematic hernias.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
