What are hernias?
A hernia results from an internal organ pushing through the tissue or muscle that holds it in position. Most common in your abdomen, hernias can develop in your groin, belly button, or upper thigh. While there are several types of hernias, the two main types of hernias are:
Inguinal Hernias
The most common type of hernia is inguinal. These occur when your intestines push through a tear in your lower abdominal wall, usually in the inguinal canal.
For men, the inguinal canal is also the conduit that the spermatic cord, which holds up the testicles, passes through. In women, the inguinal canal houses the ligament that holds the uterus in position.
Hiatal Hernias
A hiatal hernia involves the protrusion of your stomach through your diaphragm and into your chest cavity. Hiatal hernias are most common in people over 50. Children with congenital disabilities may also be at greater risk for developing a hiatal hernia.
The chief symptom of a hiatal hernia is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where the contents of your stomach back up into your esophagus, leaving you with a persistent burning sensation in your throat.
What causes hernias?
A hernia can be the result of weak muscles or physical strain. You can quickly develop a hernia when lifting a heavy object or have a hernia that develops gradually over time. You can also develop a hernia over time if you frequently struggle with constipation, causing you to strain with each bowel movement.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
The most noticeable symptom of a hernia is a bulge in the area where the organ pushes through the muscle. Bulges are most visible when you bend down, cough, or while you’re standing.
Other potential symptoms of a hernia include:
- Pain in the affected area
- Weakness or pressure in the abdomen
- Burning or aching sensations near the bulge
In the case of a hiatal hernia, you may have persistent acid reflux, pain in your chest, and difficulty swallowing.
Typically, hernias aren’t a life-threatening condition; however, they do require treatment to prevent additional medical complications.
How are hernias treated?
Obesity is a common cause of hernias, and your Florida Lakes Surgical provider may suggest weight-loss surgery to reduce your risk of developing additional hernias in the future. Weight loss surgery can significantly reduce the pressure that extra weight places on your internal organs, especially near the abdominal wall.
If you already have a hernia, your provider may recommend weight loss surgery before repairing the hernia. By losing weight before the hernia procedure, you can reduce your risk of complications and experience a quicker recovery.
Florida Lakes Surgical also offers complex hernia management and surgery using the DaVinci® surgical system. Robotic surgery with DaVinci allows them to make careful, precise hernia repairs through tiny incisions and small instruments. The robotic system smooths each movement your provider makes and minimizes the chances of many surgical complications.
Robotic surgery may be an option to treat your inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, or hiatal hernia safely.
To find relief from hernia pain, call Florida Lakes Surgical, or book a consultation online today.
