A hernia is a common problem in which an organ or other tissue pushes through muscle or connective tissue. It often leads to an out-of-place lump you can see or feel.
Most hernias aren't an urgent issue, but they can be painful.
When left untreated, a hernia can worsen over time. In rare cases, it can cause a blocked bowel or part of tissue to lose blood.
For these reasons, doctors often suggest surgery to fix a hernia.
To learn more or make an appointment, call the UPMC Division of General Surgery at 1-866-629-8077.
Our muscles work with a connective tissue called fascia to keep the organs and tissues of our abdomen in place.
A hernia happens when one part of the body pushes through fascia or muscle, such as:
Hernias are common.
About 10% of people in the U.S. will get a hernia at some point.
Almost all hernias occur in the abdomen, groin, or top of the thigh.
Types of hernias include:
Other rare types of hernias are:
Hernias can occur without injury or any provoking factors.
Common causes of hernia in adults include:
The following can increase the risk of getting a hernia:
Many hernias don't require treatment right away.
But they can cause serious complications such as:
Hernia signs and symptoms can differ based on the tissue involved.
For instance, a hiatal hernia can lead to heartburn, while an inguinal hernia can cause burning in the groin.
Some of the more common hernia symptoms include:
Seek care right away if you have a hernia and notice any of the following signs of a complication:
Doctors diagnose a hernia using the following methods.
During the exam, your doctor will:
A doctor often diagnoses a hernia with a physical exam alone.
But if they're unclear on the diagnosis or need more information, they may order an imaging test.
An ultrasound or CT scan lets your doctor see your organs and tissues inside the abdomen.
Your doctor will work with you on a hernia treatment plant. They'll take the time to explain your treatment options in detail.
And they'll ask you about any concerns and what option or options you prefer.
If your hernia causes symptoms or poses a risk, the most common treatment is surgery.
If your hernia isn't causing symptoms, doctors may suggest watching it to make sure it doesn't get worse.
A hernia can weaken the wall of the abdomen and other tissues as it gets bigger over time. So often, doctors suggest surgery when the hernia is small and not painful.
Doctors may also watch a hernia if they want you to make changes to improve your health before surgery. Factors such as losing weight loss and stopping smoking can help with the surgery's success.
During open surgery, the surgeon makes a single cut and pushes the hernia back into place. Then, they close the tissue or muscle with stitches.
They may also use surgical mesh to repair a hernia. This mesh can be synthetic (medical-grade plastic) or biologic (derived from animal or donated human tissue).
Mesh reduces the risk of hernias coming back in most people.
In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon makes smaller cuts and pilots tools through a tube. The tube has a light and a video camera so they can see what they're doing.
The surgeon pushes in the herniated tissue and uses surgical mesh to strengthen the muscle or fascia.
To learn more about hernia treatment or make an appointment with one of our experts, call 1-866-629-8077.
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