A hernia is a painful bulge caused in the abdomen when intestines or soft tissue protrude through weaknesses in the muscular wall that normally protects them. Even though they can seem to come out of nowhere, they won’t go away without medical attention. The team at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY treats hernias with a quick, surgical procedure, often using robotic assistance to ensure maximum precision. There are three New York City offices in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Astoria area of Queens, and Bayside neighborhood in Flushing. Make an appointment by calling the office nearest you or booking online.
Hernia
What is a 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.
What causes hernias?
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.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
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.
How is a hernia treated?
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.