5 Steps to Take If You Think You May Have a Hernia

2024-07-12

Hernia Info Authors

So, you think you may have a hernia, now what? You probably have questions or concerns regarding next steps, treatment options, and recovery. Read on for five steps to take to start your hernia repair journey.

1. Recognize the Signs of a Hernia¹

Your abdomen is covered in layers of muscle and strong tissue that help you move and protect internal organs. A hernia is a gap in this muscular wall that allows the contents inside the abdomen to protrude outward, resulting in a bulge. There are different types of hernias, but the most common hernias occur near the belly or groin areas.

Hernias are common in both men and women, but symptoms can vary. They may cause some form of pain or discomfort and will not go away on their own. Learn more by checking out our Hernia Info Brochure to read about common FAQs, symptoms and diagnosis, and repair options.

2. Understand Your Specific Hernia Type²

There are multiple hernia types. Learning about the specific type of hernia you have is very important when it comes to treatment options. The most common types of hernias are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from a surgical cut, or incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach). Learn more below:

Inguinal hernia: Occurs when part of your intestine pushes through a weakness in the lower belly and affects an area of the groin called the inguinal canal.
Femoral hernia: Occurs when part of your intestine bulges into an area of the groin called the femoral canal (you might see a lump around the crease of the groin or the upper thigh).
Umbilical hernia: Occurs when fat or part of the intestine pushes through muscle near the belly button.
Incisional hernia: Occurs when tissue pokes through weakened skin from a scar left after surgery.
Hiatal hernia: Occurs when part of the stomach bulges up through your diaphragm and into the chest.

3. Learn Ways to Help Control Hernia Symptoms³

Making a few lifestyle changes may help alleviate the symptoms caused by a hernia, including:

Eat several smaller meals throughout the day versus a few large meals.
Avoid foods that trigger heartburn (such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine).
Avoid lying down after a meal or eating late in the evening.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Stop smoking.
Wear a hernia belt or truss.⁴

Read more information on food tips and what to wear while experiencing a hernia. →

4. Understand Treatment Options

It’s important to remember that a hernia will not go away on its own; most hernia repairs require surgery.⁵ Hernia repairs are common procedures, with as many as one million hernia repairs taking place each year in the U.S.⁶ Learn about the different hernia repair options below so you can discuss them with your doctor.

Non-Surgical Options

Although surgery is required to repair a hernia, your doctor may recommend a “watch and wait” approach if the hernia is:⁵

Not causing any symptoms or pain.
Relatively small in size.
Not getting bigger over time.
Able to be pushed back in (reduces) easily.

Although rare, patients who adopt a watch and wait approach should be aware of the symptoms and signs of incarceration or obstruction.⁵ Learn more about hernia pain.

Surgical Options

Hernia repair surgery corrects a hernia where organs protrude through a weakened body wall. In the procedure, a small incision is made near the hernia, and the displaced organ is repositioned. The weakened area is then fixed–oftentimes with mesh. This surgery is performed to alleviate discomfort and to help prevent hernia recurrence.⁷

Various surgical procedures (laparoscopy, open, and robotic) depend on the location, type of hernia, and surgeon you have. Learn more about each surgical option here.

Mesh Options

Surgeons often use surgical mesh to strengthen a hernia repair and reduce the rate of recurrence.⁶ The use of mesh to repair a hernia may also improve patient outcomes through decreased operative time and minimized recovery time.⁸There are three primary mesh options: bioresorbable, synthetic, and biological. Learn more about each mesh option here.

Despite reduced rates of recurrence, there are situations where the use of certain surgical mesh may not be recommended. There are also complications that may occur following hernia repair. The most typical complications include:⁹

Pain, infection, inflammation
Hernia recurrence
Adhesion
Bowel obstruction
Mesh migration
Mesh shrinkage (contraction)

Although information found in medical literature has consistently demonstrated a reduced likelihood of a hernia developing again with the use of mesh, patients should talk to their surgeons about their specific circumstances and the best options for their hernia repair, in addition to the possible risks.⁶

5. Discuss Your Options with a Hernia Surgeon¹⁰

Now that you know a little more about your specific hernia, how to control your symptoms, and the different types of treatment options, you may want to find a hernia surgeon to discuss which option is best for you. Below are a list of questions to help you get the conversation started:

Your doctor will likely conduct a thorough exam and review your medical history to determine which surgical repair is right for you. A patient’s medical history may indicate if a person is a good candidate for one type of repair or another.¹⁰

Surgical Options →

The use of mesh in ventral (umbilical, incisional) and inguinal hernia repair is the standard of care in the United States. Surgical mesh has been shown to strengthen the area around the hernia, which in turn helps reduce the rate of hernia recurrence. Research has consistently shown a lower recurrence rate using mesh versus repair without mesh, and the chances of hernia recurrence are decreased by as much as 50% when using mesh. Additionally, the use of mesh can also improve overall patient outcomes.¹⁰ To read about possible risks of mesh, please see Mesh Options above.

Mesh Options →

As with any surgery, there are risks of potential complications like pain, infection, and blood clots. Other factors that increase your risk for complications include:¹⁰

Advanced age
Obesity
Smoking
Poorly controlled diabetes
Undergoing hernia revision surgery for a recurrent hernia

To read about possible risks of mesh, please see Mesh Options above.

Hernia Recurrence →

It’s common to experience mild-to-moderate pain, as well as feeling a little run down after hernia repair surgery. Recovery time will vary based on several factors, including the type of hernia, type of surgery, age, overall health, and the experience level of your hernia surgeon.¹⁰

Recovery →

Read more on common FAQs and check out our Doctor Discussion Guide to learn more about what questions to ask your hernia surgeon.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.

Ready for your hernia consultation?

Enter your location to locate surgeons and hospitals in your area who use mesh products.

Find a Local Surgeon

Join the HerniaInfo.com community! Get notified about our latest articles and updates on all things hernia as they become available.

References

This site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your physician can diagnose and appropriately treat your symptoms. BD does not recommend the use of any particular physician or team of physicians. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice regarding who should be part of your hernia repair team.

BD-125684 (6/24)