National Hernia Awareness Month: Hernia FAQs

June is Hernia Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of access to quality hernia surgical repair care and the impact that hernias have on so many people’s lives. Hernias are incredibly common, yet there still exists some stigmas and reluctance to talk openly about them. This article aims to open up the conversation by answering some commonly asked questions about hernias.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia happens when a weak spot in the abdominal wall weakens enough to the point of a piece of the intestine bulging through it. There are several different types of hernias, with the most common kinds being inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias, hiatal hernias, and incisional hernias.

The anatomy of a hernia consists of a hernia ring, which is the opening in the abdominal wall that a hernia pushes through, and the hernia sac, which is the pouch-like protrusion. The contents of the hernia sac will differ depending on the type of hernia and its location. It usually includes part of the intestine, abdominal fat, or abdominal tissues.

What Causes Hernias?

There are several risk factors that increase a person’s susceptibility to hernia development. These factors include:

• Genetic predispositions: People with a family history of hernias may be more prone to developing hernias.

• Physical strain or heavy lifting: Activities that put extra pressure on the abdominal wall, such as straining or heavy lifting, cause the muscles to weaken over time. Weakness in the abdominal wall makes an individual more susceptible to hernias.

• Chronic cough or constipation: Chronic conditions such as coughing or constipation also place additional pressure on the abdominal wall, which causes the muscles to weaken and may lead to hernia development.

• Obesity and poor nutrition: Excess body weight strains the abominable wall, increasing the likelihood of hernias.
• Previous surgeries: Abdominal surgeries create scar tissue, which is less resilient than healthy tissue, and may enable a hernia to form.

Even those who are at higher risk of developing a hernia may be able to avoid this condition by taking preventative action. Hernia prevention tips include implementing lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, and maintaining a healthy weight,  using proper lifting techniques, and managing health conditions, such as chronic coughing and constipation.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Hernia?

Some of the most common signs of a hernia include:

• A visible bulge or lump under the skin
• Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting or bending
• A burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge
• In severe cases, nausea or vomiting

Different types of hernias have different symptoms. Inguinal hernias usually present as a bulge near the groin area, whereas femoral hernias typically present as a small, painful bulge in the upper thigh area. Hiatal hernias occur when the stomach protruding through their diaphragm and will often result in symptoms such as chest pain and acid reflux. The most common symptom of umbilical hernias, on the other hand, is a bulge near the navel.

Hernias do not resolve on their own, so it’s important to schedule an appointment with a hernia doctor in Huntington Beach to get a proper diagnosis if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing signs of complications like strangulation, obstruction, persistent pain, or swelling, as this could be a sign of an emergency.

How Are Hernias Diagnosed?

If a patient visits a hernia doctor in Huntington Beach with symptoms of a hernia, the doctor will first conduct a physical exam and review the patient’s medical history. During the exam, they’ll carefully examine the affected area for signs of a bulge and ask the patient about any other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort. If the hernia doctor in Huntington Beach is unable to provide a diagnosis based on the physical exam, they may order additional imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hernias?

All hernias need to be treated with hernia repair surgery because, as previously noted, they do not go away on their own. If a patient’s hernia is relatively small and asymptomatic, a hernia doctor in Huntington Beach might suggest non-surgical treatments to help manage any pain or discomfort prior to undergoing surgery. These treatments may include:

• Watchful waiting to see if the hernia remains asymptomatic
• Lifestyle changes and supportive measures, such as quitting smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet
• Using a truss or hernia belt to provide temporary support and keep the hernia in place

When it comes to hernia repair surgery, there are three primary approaches that are typically used:

• Open hernia repair: This method involves making a large incision at the site of the hernia, and then manually pushing it back into place. The hernia doctor in Huntington Beach will reinforce the abdominal wall with surgical mesh or stitches to strengthen the area and prevent hernia recurrence.

• Laparoscopic hernia repair: This is a minimally invasive approach wherein a hernia doctor in Huntington Beach makes several tiny incisions at the hernia site. They then insert a small camera (also called a laparoscope) to help them visualize the hernia and repair it using surgical tools. Laparoscopic hernia repair usually results in faster downtimes and less scarring for patients.
• Robotic-assisted hernia surgery: This approach also involves making small incisions at the site of the hernia but uses robotic arms to make the repair. The hernia doctor in Huntington Beach controls the robotic arms, which enhances their precision throughout the procedure.

Selecting the right treatment approach for the patient will depend on several factors, such as the hernia’s size, location, and symptoms. If you are exploring hernia repair treatment options, it’s always important to consult with a hernia repair specialist to get a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of each repair method.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Untreated Hernias?

If left untreated, hernias can lead to the following complications:

• Incarceration: A hernia is considered incarcerated when the herniated tissue is stuck in the opening of the abdominal wall. Incarcerated hernias cause severe pain and may lead to more serious issues such as obstruction.

• Strangulation: A strangulated hernia is a serious medical emergency. It occurs when an incarcerated hernia cuts off the blood supply to the trapped tissue and may result in symptoms such as intense pain, vomiting, and even life-threatening complications.

• Bowel obstruction: Untreated hernias may result in bowel obstruction if part of the intestine gets trapped in the hernia sac. This leads to a blockage that stops intestinal contents from passing through as they normally would.

Untreated hernias can also have serious long-term impacts on a person’s life, leading to issues such as chronic pain and discomfort. However, timely hernia intervention and treatment significantly reduce the risk of these complications and help people return to their normal activities more quickly.

How Can You Prevent Hernias?

Luckily, there are effective methods to help prevent hernias from developing. General hernia prevention tips include avoiding heavy lifting and straining when possible, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and strengthening the core muscles to reduce the likelihood of weak spots forming. High-risk individuals, such as those who suffer from chronic conditions like coughing or constipation or who have recently undergone abdominal surgery, should talk to their doctors about specific strategies for managing these conditions.

How Can You Support National Hernia Awareness Month?

If you would like to support National Hernia Awareness Month, consider participating in local and national awareness activities. If there aren’t any events near you to get involved with, simply posting facts about hernias on social media with the hashtag #NationalHerniaAwarenssMonth will enable you to spread awareness and get involved in the conversation. 

Anyone who’s had hernias or undergone hernia repair surgery can make a difference during  National Hernia Awareness Month by sharing their personal stories with others and continuously educating friends and families about hernias. To advocate for better healthcare access, consider supporting policy initiatives for hernia care or engaging with organizations that have the power to make a difference in this area of healthcare.

Conclusion

Awareness and education are key when it comes to preventing and treating hernias. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hernias, you have the power to be proactive in protecting your health.

If you previously underwent hernia repair surgery, use National Hernia Awareness Month as an opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with people in your community. Doing this will help break down the stigma surrounding hernias and empower others to seek out the resources and support they need to be hernia-free. 

Those currently needing hernia care can contact us at Orange County Robotic General Surgery to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you prioritize your health and well-being.

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