Hernia

What is a hernia?

A hernia develops when an internal organ or another body part protrudes through the surrounding wall of tissue or muscle. Hernias are most common in the abdominal cavity.

There are different types of hernias, such as:

Inguinal hernia

The inguinal canal in men is a passageway for the spermatic cord and blood vessels that lead to the testicles. In women, the inguinal canal contains the round ligament that provides support for the womb. With an inguinal hernia, fatty tissue or part of the intestine pokes into the groin area at the top of the inner thigh. Inguinal hernias are more common in men.

Femoral hernia

Femoral hernias occur when fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall into an area called the femoral canal. Femoral hernias can also protrude into your groin at the top of your inner thigh.

Femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias and occur far more frequently in women, particularly older women, due to the wider shape of the female pelvis. The lump can usually be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. Straining or coughing can make the lump appear.

Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia happens when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen near the navel.

Hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernias happen when part of your stomach pushes up into your chest cavity through an opening in your diaphragm.

What causes a hernia?

Some hernias are the result of weakened muscles that might have been present from birth.

Muscle strain and weakening can also come from obesity, aging, pregnancy, physical exertion, frequent coughing, and other causes.

If you have a hernia, you might notice increased pain at the site of a lump or bulge, pain while lifting, and a dull, aching sensation. Since some hernias don’t have bulges on the outside of the body, you should also be aware of symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, and chest pain.

How is a hernia treated?

Hernias typically don’t get better on their own. In many cases, surgery is the only way to repair a hernia.

There are different ways to perform a hernia surgery. In open surgery, the traditional method, Dr. Klonsky makes an incision at the location of the hernia and then sets the protruding tissue back in place or removes the hernia sac. He typically stitches the weakened muscle wall back together. In some instances, Dr. Klonsky might implant some type of mesh to provide extra support to the area.

Dr. Klonsky also provides advanced laparoscopic minimally invasive hernia surgery involving robotic technology, a video console and camera, smaller incisions, special surgical tools, and a faster and smoother recovery.

Hernia surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. Local, spinal, or general anesthesia is necessary depending on the type, size, and location of your hernia.

Call South Shore Surgical to learn more or book online.