A hernia can happen to anyone and is much more than a simple muscle pull. A hernia occurs when an organ or bulge of tissue breaks through a hole in the muscles.
The most common symptom of a hernia is a visible bulge in the affected area. Other symptoms of hernia may include weakness, pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, groin or scrotum.
“Hernias can be painful, but more often they do not cause pain,” said Eugene Dickens, M.D., general surgeon at Utica Park Clinic. “The most concerning symptoms come when an internal organ is stuck out of the hernia and is obstructed. The organ can lose blood supply from being trapped in the hernia, which can be life-threatening, if left untreated.”
The most common types of hernia are inguinal (inner groin), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), incisional (surgical scar) and hiatal (upper stomach). Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and account for 75% of abdominal wall hernias.
Most hernias can be treated with minimally invasive surgery.
“Hernias can be managed non-operatively but the only way to fix a hole is to mechanically repair it,” Dickens said.
Utica Park Clinic general surgeons offer a minimally invasive approach to hernia repair. Those in Tulsa utilize the da Vinci Surgical System. Through this technique, you can expect less pain, a shorter hospitalization and a quicker recovery.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you have a hernia. For surgeon and location options, visit here.