Each year, hernias affect millions of Americans, according to the National Center of Health Statistics but experts believe hundreds of thousands suffer in silence, primarily because they fear surgery.
Hernias are caused when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle in the abdominal wall. Most hernias develop in the belly between your chest and hips, but they can occur in the groin and upper thighs, as well. Discomfort and pain associated with hernias may prevent people from engaging in activities they love to do, and ignoring symptoms may lead to complications that can be life-threatening.
“The most common types of abdominal-related hernias we see are in the umbilical and groin areas, and where there has been a previous incision,” said McLaren Greater Lansing general surgeon Dr. Nicholas St.Hilaire, DO. “Symptoms you may experience if you develop a hernia include feeling and/or seeing a bulge, often paired with pain or discomfort, and finding that you need to push the bulging area back in from time to time.”
Other symptoms may include an itching or burning sensation at the bulge and worsening of pain or discomfort when coughing, straining, or lifting.
While physically demanding jobs often lead to hernias, other factors can contribute as well. These include family history, obesity, pregnancy, straining during exercise or bowel movements, chronic coughing, and smoking. Over time, a hernia may enlarge and require urgent medical attention.
“Play close attention if pain worsens and the bulge can no longer be pushed back in,” says Dr. St.Hilaire. “Those are emergency signs we look for and indicate a need for immediate medical attention, as an intestine may have become stuck and require surgery.”
Although hernia treatment options usually involve surgery, minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopic or robotic options can be used in some cases, possibly resulting in reduced recovery times and minimal scarring (though benefits of robotic surgery vary). Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications from hernias, so it’s important to schedule annual physical exams.
“Discuss your symptoms with your primary care doctor, and let him or her know when they started,” said Dr. St.Hilaire. “Most often, hernias can be diagnosed with a physical exam.”
As a part of our Healthwise series, McLaren Greater Lansing will be hosting a free hernia screening with Dr. St.Hilaire on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Appointments are limited and a reservation is required. For more information, click here. To make an appointment, call (517) 975-6600.
Click here to contact Dr. St.Hilaire at McLaren Greater Lansing Minimally Invasive Surgical Associates if you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
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