Hernia Specialist

Mesh Advisory Statement for Patients

What are hernias?

Hernias occur when internal body structures push through the wall of muscle tissue. Many hernias appear in your abdominal area or the area between your chest and hips. These types of hernias are sometimes called ventral hernias, belly hernias, or abdominal hernias.

A hernia can range in severity from mild to severe and painful. Treatment relieves your discomfort and eliminates unsightly bulges. Complications that may occur with an untreated hernia include dangerous obstruction or hernia strangulation. 

What are the different types of hernias?

Common types of hernias you or a loved one may encounter at some point include:

Femoral hernias

Femoral hernias occur when part of your intestine pushes through the groin area near the top of your inner thigh.

Inguinal hernias

An inguinal hernia, which is also known as a groin hernia, can appear if part of your intestine or fatty tissue pokes into the groin near your inner thigh. It’s a common type of hernia that affects men more often than women.

Hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when part of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity through your diaphragm, which is a muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest. 

Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernias appear when the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through your abdominal wall near your belly button.

Spigelian

A spigelian hernia forms in the spigelian fascia, the layers of muscle that are found in the abdominal wall. Other hernias usually form just below layers of abdominal fat. The location of this hernia makes it difficult to detect, but it should be treated to prevent obstruction of the bowls or other vital organs. 

Ventral/Incisional

A ventral or incisional hernia develops when you have a weakness within your abdominal wall muscles. It can occur anywhere and often forms at the healed site of a past surgical incision.

What are the risk factors for hernias?

Anybody can develop a hernia, but some things increase your risk of getting one. Examples include:

• Weak muscles
• Aging
• Abdominal or groin strain
• Strenough physical exertion
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Giving birth
• Constipation
• Straining at the toilet
• Frequent coughing
• Smoking

Ways to reduce your risk of getting a hernia include maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious (high-fiber) foods, getting daily exercise, and not lifting improperly. Avoid smoking, which can trigger a chronic cough.

How does my provider diagnose a hernia?

To diagnose a hernia and develop a treatment plan, your specialist reviews your symptoms and examines the hernia. They might ask you to cough while they examine certain types of hernias and have you undergo a CT scan or other imaging procedures.

What are common hernia treatments?

Examples of surgical hernia treatments available at Premier Surgical include:

• Incisionless fundoplication (EsophyX® procedure for GERD)
• Abdominal wall reconstruction
• Laparoscopic component separation
• Laparoscopic hernia repair
• Laparoscopic removal of mesh and mesh plugs
• Robotic surgery
• Open hernia surgery

Follow all post-care instructions by avoiding strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting until your doctor gives you the okay. Keep your incision site clean and take the appropriate steps to prevent future problems.

Don’t live with a painful or unsightly hernia when simple treatments can offer you relief. Call the Premier Surgical office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.