Battling a Bulge? 5 Things to Know About Hernia Symptoms and Treatment.

If you notice a palpable lump or bulge in your abdomen or groin, it could be a hernia. The most common types of hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal or inguinal (groin) muscles. This can be uncomfortable or even painful, but many times they don’t require emergent care. However, left untreated, hernias can cause worsening symptoms or more life-threatening problems, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any signs.
 

1. Different types of hernias may cause different symptoms.

The most well-known hernia symptom is a visible bulge where there shouldn’t be one. This bulge can be more pronounced when standing or in certain positions and can be painful, especially while lifting, straining, or coughing. However, not all hernias are the same. The symptoms you experience may be specific to the area of the body where you notice the hernia. Types of hernias include:
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• Inguinal hernias: These bulges occur in the groin area and can result in pain, pressure, burning, or a feeling of heaviness. Nearly 25 percent of men will develop a hernia in the groin within their lifetime.
• Epigastric hernias: These hernias push through a weak spot in the belly. Because they are often small, some people don’t notice any symptoms.
• Incisional hernias: If the abdominal muscle is weakened by surgery or if a surgical incision becomes infected, it could lead to an incisional hernia. These can develop shortly after surgery or several months or years later. 
• Umbilical hernias: Up to 20 percent of infants are born with an umbilical hernia which occurs near the belly button. These can also develop in adults, especially those with other risk factors, such being obese, smoking, or coughing chronically. 
• Hiatal hernias: A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This type is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can lead to symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. There are two main subtypes:
  
  • Sliding hiatal hernias: This is the most common type of hiatal hernias, where the stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up and down.
  • Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: This is less common but potentially more serious, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm next to the esophagus and can become trapped.
• Parastomal hernias: A parastomal hernia occurs around a stoma, which is an opening created surgically to allow waste to leave the body. These hernias can develop after procedures such as colostomies or ileostomies. Symptoms may include a bulge around the stoma, discomfort, and issues with stoma function. Management often involves lifestyle changes, support garments, or surgical repair.

Most of the time, hernias will not heal on their own. If you notice a lump or bulge, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation.  
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2. Hernias aren’t usually medical emergencies, but some symptoms warrant a visit to the ER.

Although less common, some hernias can cause serious problems to your health. For example, if a hernia gets stuck (incarceration) it could interfere with your bowels. And, a large or growing hernia could cut off blood supply to nearby tissues (strangulation). A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Other signs a hernia requires emergency care include:

• Fever
• Vomiting or nausea
• Sudden change in bowel movements
• Discoloration around the bulge

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention right away.
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3. Hernias tend to worsen over time, so it’s good to seek treatment early.

Although few hernias require an ER visit, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor sooner rather than later. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may be able to feel it. Sometimes, you may benefit from imaging or special testing so your doctor can better understand the size or complexity of your hernia. If you are pregnant, your doctor may use a special type of ultrasound to observe your hernia.

Most hernias will need surgery, but you might not need it right away. Your doctor will help you weigh the pros and cons of “watchful waiting,” which may be an option for small, lower-risk hernias. Generally, your doctor will eventually recommend surgery before the hernia becomes larger. There are several different surgical options, and your doctor will explain the various procedures that would best suit your hernia, health, and personal preferences. 

4. Our surgeons are experts in all approaches to hernia repair surgery.

The goal of hernia surgery is to repair the weakened or open tissue. Hernia repair can be performed as an open (traditional) surgery or using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery or robotic-assisted surgery. Minimally invasive surgery involves smaller incisions, generally allowing patients to recover faster and with less pain. However, your surgeon will help you understand the benefits and risks of each and advise on which may be the best fit for your particular case. This will vary based on the size and severity of your hernia, as well as your overall health. Many patients are candidates for same-day surgery and instructed to gradually return to daily activities over the next few weeks.

At MedStar Health, our surgeons are skilled at all of the latest surgical approaches and provide the highest level of specialized care, alongside our highly-trained nursing staff. In addition to hernia repair surgery, we’re experts in abdominal wall reconstruction, which can help to prevent recurrence after complex hernias. 

Your health is our priority.

If you have a hernia, talk to a MedStar Health doctor about when and which treatment will be most beneficial for you. While a hernia isn’t usually an emergency, it’s important to seek prompt treatment before it has a chance to increase in size. In addition, our hernia experts can help you understand any risk factors or causes linked to hernias, such as age, obesity, smoking, chronic coughing, and poor posture. Some hernias are also linked to genetic factors. While you can’t change your genes, your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes that may help to prevent hernias in the future.

From your first appointment, you can expect the highest level of care that prioritizes your health and preferences. Before surgery, your medical team will work with you to optimize your health and prepare for the most successful surgical outcomes. Our experienced care team specializes in all of the most advanced surgical techniques available to repair hernias today and will tailor treatment to your unique needs. When a hernia bulge is getting in the way of your life, we can help you get back to the things you enjoy.