Hernia Repair

Are you living with a bump or lump protruding from your stomach or groin area? Have you noticed it increase in size over time? 

According to the National Center for Health Sciences, 5 million Americans have a hernia. Yet, only about 15% of Americans seek treatment each year. The rest do not because they fear that the procedure will require an extended hospital stay followed by a long and painful recovery. 

Fortunately, at Minden Medical Center, there are several safe and less invasive surgical procedures that can eliminate your fears. Plus, you are able to resume your normal everyday activities in a very short time period. These days, there isn’t any reason for you to suffer the uncomfortable, unsightly, painful and sometimes life-threatening symptoms of a hernia.

Types of Hernias

A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias occur in the abdomen. There are several types of hernias, including 

• Inguinal, the most common type, is in the groin 
• Umbilical, around the belly button 
• Incisional, through a scar 
• Hiatal, a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest. 
• Congenital diaphragmatic, a birth defect that needs surgery

Hernias are common. They can affect men, women and children. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia. 

The usual treatment for a hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. Untreated hernias can cause pain and health problems.

Hernia Pain Checklist for Your Doctor

Before your visit with your doctor, write down answers to the questions he or she will likely ask about your suspected hernia:

• When did the pain start?
• Did it start with a known injury?
• Is the pain on one or both sides?
• Is the pain, constant or does it come and go?
• What makes the pain worse?
• What makes it better?

Your answers to these questions will help your doctor diagnose your situation. Schedule an appointment for a hernia consultation by clicking on one of our surgeons below.

Kishore Malireddy, MD
Erin Soleto, MD