What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall.
Hernias can appear in the groin, around the navel, at a previous surgical incision, or elsewhere in the abdominal wall. Symptoms may include a bulge, pressure, aching, burning, or discomfort that becomes more noticeable with coughing, lifting, or standing.
How a hernia is evaluated
Evaluation usually begins with a discussion of symptoms and a physical examination. Imaging may be helpful when the diagnosis is unclear, the hernia is difficult to feel, or more detail is needed for planning.
Important history
Prior abdominal operations, changes in the bulge, pain, bowel symptoms, activity limits, and medical conditions all help guide treatment.
Individual planning
Hernia type, size, location, symptoms, prior repairs, and overall health affect whether and how repair is recommended.
Treatment options
Some hernias with few or no symptoms may be observed in selected patients. Many symptomatic hernias are repaired surgically. Repair may be open, laparoscopic, or robotic, and mesh is often used to reinforce the weakened area.
The recommended approach depends on the kind of hernia and individual circumstances. Surgery also carries risks, including bleeding, infection, fluid collection, pain, injury to nearby structures, difficulty urinating, and recurrence.
Seek urgent medical care
A hernia can become trapped or lose its blood supply. Seek immediate care for a suddenly larger or firm bulge, severe or worsening pain, fever, redness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal swelling, or inability to pass stool or gas.
Preparing and recovering
Before surgery, provide a complete medication and allergy list and follow the individualized instructions about eating, drinking, and medicines. After repair, discomfort and swelling are common. Activity limits, return to work, lifting, driving, wound care, and follow-up depend on the operation and your progress.
Call the office for worsening pain or swelling, fever, persistent nausea or vomiting, trouble urinating, breathing problems, bleeding, or increasing redness or drainage.
Questions to bring to your visit
- What type of hernia do I have?
- Do I need repair now, or is observation reasonable?
- Which approach do you recommend and why?
- Will mesh likely be used?
- What activity limits should I expect?
- What symptoms should prompt an urgent call?
Educational sources
This page provides general education and does not replace individualized advice from your surgeon.