Men, women, and even children are susceptible to hernias. If you’re unfamiliar with this condition and the surgical treatments offered by health practitioners to rectify this ailment, below is some helpful information to review. 

A Guide to Hernias

What Is It & What Are Its Symptoms?

A hernia is a bulge caused by a weakness in the muscular wall that keeps your abdominal organs in place. Hernias mostly occur around the belly button, groin, upper stomach, and around surgical scars.

While certain hernias are asymptomatic, others can result in sharp pain, particularly when standing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects. Swelling and soreness around a bulge are also common.

Individuals who experience fever, nausea, vomiting, intense pain, the inability to have a bowel movement or a swelling bulge that is red or purple should contact their medical provider right away for a consultation. 

What Are the Risk Factors?

Older men are most likely to experience hernias, as muscles weaken with age. Other risk factors include obesity, constant straining, and chronic coughing, so smoking can increase the odds of getting a hernia.

Chronic constipation and a family history of these bulges are also considered risk factors. Pregnant women are more likely to experience them due to added pressure on the abdominal wall.

What Surgical Treatments Are Available?

Smaller hernias that don’t cause discomfort are observed by health care providers regularly to note any changes or issues moving forward. Individuals with larger or painful hernias can seek surgical treatment to eliminate the problem. A surgeon can perform open hernia repair where they make an incision, push the protruding tissue back into place, and sew in a synthetic mesh to reinforce the area.

A minimally invasive surgical treatment known as laparoscopy may be an option for you as well. Using a small tube equipped with a camera, your surgeon will put the tissue back into place and repair your hernia with synthetic mesh through smaller incisions decreasing recovery time. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort due to a hernia, the dedicated team of surgeons at Surgical Care PC can help. Conveniently located in Lincoln, NE, residents across Lancaster County can count on this welcoming practice for cutting-edge surgical treatments and personalized care. To schedule a consultation, call (402) 476-6626. Visit them online to browse their surgical procedures.