Hernias are a common medical condition among Americans, affecting thousands of people each year. While the symptoms of a hernia can sometimes be managed without surgery, hernia surgery is used to repair the hernia and provide relief.
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak area of muscle, forming a bulge. There are multiple types of hernias that occur in different parts of the body:
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. Hernias can affect both men and women, though inguinal hernias are more common in men, while femoral hernias are more common in women.
Hernias can form without a known cause, but heavy lifting, straining and activities that put pressure on the abdomen are common causes.
If you have developed a hernia, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Most types of hernias cause a bulge that is visible outside the body, but that is not always the case. Hernias can also cause discomfort that is worsened when putting stress on the lower body.
If you are diagnosed with a hernia, hernia surgery is the only treatment option for permanently fixing the hernia. Leaving a hernia untreated can cause it to worsen, intensifying pain.
In some cases, hernia strangulation can occur when the hernia gets stuck and loses its blood supply. This is considered an emergency situation, requiring immediate intervention.
During hernia surgery, the hernia bulge is pushed back into place, and the weakened portion of the muscle wall is repaired. In some cases, the weak spot may simply be stitched closed, but mesh reinforcement is often used during hernia surgery to strengthen the muscle wall and keep it closed.
In most cases, patients are able to resume normal activities within days to weeks following surgery. It is important to carefully follow your care team’s recommendations after surgery to promote optimal healing.
If you have developed a hernia, you can turn to the board-certified surgeons at Hattiesburg Clinic for hernia surgery. We offer significant expertise in hernia repair, including both open (traditional) and laparoscopic procedures. Patients undergoing hernia surgery performed by a Hattiesburg Clinic surgeon have access to the latest advancements in technique and technology, allowing for a quicker recovery and successful outcomes.