Hernia

Your intestines and other organs are protected in your abdomen by a thin layer of muscle. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a small amount of intestine or soft tissue may protrude through a weak spot in this abdominal wall, resulting in a painful bulge. This bulge is called an inguinal hernia.

While a hernia is not necessarily dangerous by itself, it won’t heal on its own, and complications from a hernia can be life-threatening.

Hernias are the result of increased pressure in the abdomen and weakness in the abdominal wall. Sometimes these conditions can occur for no apparent reason, but other times, it can occur because of:

• Strenuous physical activity
• Straining while lifting heavy objects
• Straining during urination or bowel movements
• Pregnancy
• Chronic or severe coughing or sneezing

Many people have weaknesses in their abdomen from birth without ever realizing it, but others develop them after an injury or surgery.

Men usually develop hernias at the abdomen’s natural weak spot, the inguinal canal at the base of the scrotum. Likewise, women tend to get them around where the uterus connects to the pubic bone.

You can recognize a hernia by looking for:

• A painful lump on either side of the pubic bone that becomes more obvious when you’re upright
• Pain, discomfort, or a heavy feeling in the groin
• In men, pain, redness, or swelling in the scrotum

Some more extreme cases may result in:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Sudden, intensifying pain
• Inability to have bowel movements or pass gas

These are signs of a dangerous complication called an incarcerated hernia when tissue is unable to move from where it has become lodged. These are much more dangerous, and you should seek immediate emergency care if you believe you have one.

A hernia requires care from the team at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY, as it can’t heal by itself. If you’re diagnosed with a hernia, the team may recommend a minimally invasive hernia repair.

The team at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY performs open and laparoscopic repairs of groin hernias and abdominal wall hernias. In certain cases, they may use robotic assistance for extra precision and to ensure minimal discomfort and scarring.

If you think you may have a hernia, don’t wait any longer. Call the office or make an appointment online today.