Learn About Hernia

What is the definition of Hernia?

A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The sac comes through a hole or weak area in the strong layer of the belly wall that surrounds the muscle. This layer is called the fascia.

Which type of hernia you have depends on where it is:

  • Femoral hernia is a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin. This type is more common in women than men.
  • Hiatal hernia occurs in the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. Part of the upper stomach pushes into the chest.
  • Incisional hernia can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery in the past.
  • Umbilical hernia is a bulge around the belly button. Most often it occurs when the muscle around the belly button does not close completely after birth.
  • Inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin. It is more common in men. It may go all the way down into the scrotum.
What are the alternative names for Hernia?

Hernia - inguinal; Inguinal hernia; Direct and indirect hernia; Rupture; Strangulation; Incarceration

What are the causes of Hernia?
Usually, there is no clear cause of a hernia. Sometimes, hernias can occur due to:
  • Heavy lifting
  • Straining while using the toilet
  • Any activity that raises the pressure inside the belly

Hernias may be present at birth, but the bulge may not be evident until later in life. Some people have a family history of hernias.

Babies and children can get hernias. It happens when there is weakness in the belly wall. Inguinal hernias are common in boys. Some children do not have symptoms until they are adults.

Any activity or medical problem that increases pressure on the tissue in the belly wall and muscles may lead to a hernia, including:

  • Long-term (chronic) constipation and pushing hard (straining) to have a bowel movement
  • Chronic coughing or sneezing
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Enlarged prostate, straining to urinate
  • Extra weight
  • Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Peritoneal dialysis
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Overexertion
  • Undescended testicles
What are the symptoms of Hernia?

There are usually no symptoms other than a visible bulge. Some people have discomfort or pain. The discomfort may be worse when standing, straining, or lifting heavy objects. In time, the most common complaint is a bump that is sore and growing.

When a hernia gets bigger, the small intestine inside it may get stuck in the hole and lose its blood supply. This is called strangulation. This causes pain and swelling at the site of strangulation. Symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Not being able to pass gas or have bowel movements

When this occurs, surgery is needed right away.

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What are the current treatments for Hernia?

Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently fix a hernia. Surgery may be more risky for people with serious medical problems.

Surgery repairs the weakened abdominal wall tissue (fascia) and closes any holes. Most hernias are closed with stitches and sometimes with mesh patches to plug the hole.

An umbilical hernia that does not heal on its own by the time a child is 5 years old will likely be repaired.

Who are the top Hernia Local Doctors?
General Surgery
General Surgery

Baystate Medical Practices Inc

2 Medical Ctr Dr, Suite 512, 
Springfield, MA 
 1.5 mi
Offers Telehealth

Neal Seymour is a General Surgeon in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Seymour and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopy, and Appendectomy.

General Surgery
General Surgery

Baystate Medical Practices Inc

2 Medical Ctr Dr, Suite 505 506, 
Springfield, MA 
 1.5 mi

John Romanelli is a General Surgeon in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Romanelli and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hiatal Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Gastrectomy, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Colorectal Surgery | General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery | General Surgery

Baystate Medical Practices Inc

2 Medical Ctr Dr, Suite 512, 
Springfield, MA 
 1.5 mi

Kelly Tyler is a Colorectal Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Tyler and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Hernia Surgery.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Hernia?

The outcome for most hernias is usually good with treatment. It is rare for a hernia to come back. Incisional hernias are more likely to return.

What are the possible complications of Hernia?

In rare cases, inguinal hernia repair can damage structures involved in the function of a man's testicles.

Another risk of hernia surgery is nerve damage, which can lead to numbness in the groin area.

If a part of the bowel was trapped or strangulated before surgery, bowel perforation or dead bowel may result.

When should I contact a medical professional for Hernia?

Contact your provider right away if you have:

  • A painful hernia and the contents cannot be pushed back into the abdomen by lying down and using gentle pressure
  • Nausea, vomiting, or a fever along with a painful hernia
  • A hernia that becomes red, purple, dark, or discolored

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Groin pain, swelling, or a bulge.
  • A bulge or swelling in the groin or belly button, or that is associated with a previous surgical cut.
How do I prevent Hernia?

To prevent a hernia:

  • Use proper lifting techniques.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Relieve or avoid constipation by eating plenty of fiber, drinking lots of fluid, going to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge, and exercising regularly.
  • Men should see their provider if they strain with urination. This may be a symptom of an enlarged prostate.
What are the latest Hernia Clinical Trials?
The Comparison of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Quadratus Lumborum Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Study

Summary: Ultrasound (US) guided Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) is performed at the level of the 12th rib, in the parasagittal oblique plane, at the L1-L2 level. As there are modifications of the block generally local anesthetic is given between quadratus lumborum (QL) and psoas major (PM) muscles (Anterior QLB). The QLB provides a sensory block between T7 - L1. Therefore, QLBs are used to provide postopera...

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Multicentric Clinical Investigation to Assess the Safety and Performance of Disc Care to Prevent Lumbar Disc Herniation Recurrence

Summary: The goal of this clinical investigation is to learn about DISC Care, an Hernia Blocking System, in patients who have undergone lumbar disc hernia surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * if the implant (DISC Care) prevents disc herniation recurrence * if DISC Care is a safe device Participants will be implanted with DISC Care and followed up for two years (7 visits).

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: September 30, 2024
Published By: Jonas DeMuro, MD, Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery with added Qualifications in Surgical Critical Care, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Poulose BK, Carbonell AM, Rosen MJ. Hernias. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 45.

Salazar JH, Aiken JJ. Inguinal hernias. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 394.