hernia (n): Condition in which some of contents of the abdomen push or protrude through a hole or defect in the abdominal wall

 

SYMPTOMS:

  • Bulge, pain or swelling in your groin or abdomen area

  • Experiencing pain while lifting, coughing or bending over

  • Often the bulge can be pushed back in while laying down

  • On rare occasions, the bulge can become stuck (incarcerated) and result in strangulation or death of the tissue. This often presents with excruciating pain and a lump that can not be reduced or pushed back in, resulting in an emergency.

 

COMMON CAUSES:

  • Strenuous heavy lifting

  • Chronic coughing and/or constipation

  • Damage from injury or previous surgery

  • Pregnancy

  • Personal or family history of hernias

 

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE:

  • Pain rapidly increases

  • Hernia/bulge turns purple, blue or a dark color

  • If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting or both

  • New or worsening constipation

  • Fever

Ways to diagnose a hernia:

  • Physical Exam

  • CT Scan

  • Ultrasound

  • MRI

 

Treatment:

The only way to treat a hernia is with surgery. Below are the different surgical paths you can take:

  • Open Surgery

  • Laparoscopic

  • Robotic Assisted