Abdominal Hernias

Hernias can occur in multiple locations of the abdomen as sites of significant muscular weakness/thinning out or from a true “hole” in the muscular wall.  They usually cause symptoms of pressure, pain, or nausea in association with a visible bulge.  The bulge usually is the result of a piece of insulating abdominal fat or a piece of the intestine which protrudes through the muscular defect.  Rarely does this protrusion become stuck/locked into position.  If so, this “incarcerated” hernia becomes a surgical emergency.

Hernias should be repaired when they cause symptoms, are enlarging, or limit your activity at home or at work.  Most abdominal hernias can be repaired as an outpatient, allowing the patient to recuperate in the comfort of their home.  This surgical procedure closes or patches the muscular defect with or without a prosthetic (plastic) mesh. 

A period of restricted activity is requires after surgery and will be discussed with you by your surgeon before and after the day of surgery.  Walking is strongly encouraged post-operatively to speed your recovery and reduce your risks of complications.

If you believe that you have an abdominal hernia and have questions, please feel free to call our office to speak with a nurse or to make an appointment with one of our surgeons.