A hernia is a painful bulge that occurs when an organ breaks through a weakened area in the tissue or muscle that keeps it in place. For example, your intestines may push through an opening in the abdominal wall. In most cases, hernias occur in the abdomen between your hips and chest or in your groin area and upper thigh. Some hernias are immediately life-threatening and often require surgery to prevent further fatal complications. In this post, we will look at the importance of having your hernia checked by a hernia surgeon in Astoria.
What Causes Hernias?
Hernias are normally triggered by a combination of strain and muscle weakness. Moreover, a hernia, depending on its immediate cause, can develop quickly or gradually. Below are some of the main causes of this condition:
- Ascites, or fluid in your abdomen
- Being obese or overweight
- Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies
- Severe damage from a surgery or an injury
- Aging
- Frequently lifting heavy weights or strenuous exercises
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or chronic coughing
- Constipation, causing stain during bowel movement
- A congenital condition that appears during development in the womb and is present from birth
Symptoms of a Hernia
The most common symptom of a hernia is a lump or a bulge in the affected area. For example, if you have an inguinal hernia, you may develop a lump where your groin and thigh join. In the case of a hiatal hernia, you may experience other specific symptoms that include:
- Chest Pain
- Heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
You are more likely to notice your hernia through touch, especially when you stand, cough, or bend down. You may also develop pain or discomfort around the lump area. In many cases, you may not notice you have a hernia until you go through a routine medical or physical exam for an unrelated issue.
How is a Hernia Treated?
If you are diagnosed with a hernia, you should consult with the highly experienced team at Surgical Specialists of NY. Moreover, if your hernia continues to grow larger or causes persistent pain, the team may decide to recommend a minimally invasive hernia repair or sew the opening in your abdominal wall, by patching the opening with a surgical mesh during surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery can also be used to repair your hernia. During this procedure, tiny surgical equipment and a miniaturized camera will be inserted in the affected area through a few small incisions. Hernias can also be repaired with open surgery, which is more damaging to the surrounding tissues.
Hernia Surgery Recovery
After your hernia surgery, you are likely to experience pain around the surgical area. Your healthcare provider will prescribe certain medications to help ease this discomfort, Moreover, you will be advised to avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds during this recovery period.
Make sure to consult with your surgeon if you experience:
- Drainage or redness around the surgical site
- Fever
- Persistent pain
Conclusion
There are numerous ways of treating your hernia problem. At the Surgical Specialists of NY, our highly skilled team of surgeons often treat hernias with fast, surgical procedures using robotic assistance to ensure maximum safety and precision. To discuss the possible treatments for your hernia problem, call any of our offices or book an appointment online.