Though heavy lifting is often associated with the cause of hernias, it is not the true cause. Hernias are defects in a special tissue layer in the abdominal cavity. They tend to occur more frequently in certain parts of the body, such as the umbilicus (AKA “belly button”) and the groin.

If you’re concerned that you have a hernia, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kamrava, a board-certified surgeon with extensive training in minimally invasive surgery. Call today to schedule an appointment.

What Are Hernias?

Put simply, a hernia is a defect in the layer of tissue called “fascia”. There are many causes for hernias, some are there from birth, others develop after an injury. Anyone can get a hernia, but some are more prone to the condition than others. Frequent heavy lifting, pregnancy, obesity, and prior surgeries put people at higher risk for hernias.

The most common types of hernias are:

• Inguinal: You’ll notice this type of hernia in the space where your thigh meets your groin.
• Femoral: Occurring more frequently in women, a femoral hernia can affect the upper thigh.
• Umbilical: Bulging or discomfort around the belly button may be a sign of an umbilical hernia.
• Hiatial: Hiatial hernias occur inside the body where the esophagus meets the stomach. Symptoms may include indigestion, heartburn, or chest pain.

Hernia Symptoms

The most prominent hernia symptom is a lump or bulge underneath the skin. The protrusion may or may not come with pain. Bulges are usually found near the groin or belly button, but in men they can also occur in the scrotum. Surgery is typically required to effectively treat the condition.

Hernia Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

When you experience hernia symptoms, you may not know the best way to proceed. It’s often difficult to determine on your own whether or not you need professional medical care. To help you gain more information about the hernia surgery you may need, here are answers to frequently asked questions about hernias. Please contact Dr. Kamrava at 424.279.8222 if you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Q: Are there different types of hernia?

A: Different types of hernias occur depending on their location. They usually occur in the mid-section of the body. Inguinal hernias account for the common “groin” hernias, but other common hernias are umbilical, epigastric, incisional, and femoral.

Q: What are common hernia symptoms?

A: Hernia symptoms vary in severity and are best diagnosed by a doctor. A common sign of a hernia that requires medical attention is a lump or bulge in the groin area or near the belly button, which may or may not be accompanied with pain.

Q: Can you prevent hernias?

A: Obesity increases the risk of developing a hernia, as it causes stretch to the abdominal wall. If there is a tiny defect, the stretching of the abdominal wall will cause the defect to enlargen, thus increasing the risk of hernia formation. Though heavy lifting has been linked with hernia formation, are current understanding is that heavy lifting only makes a hernia symptomatic, rather than actually causing it to form.

Q: What is the best hernia treatment?

A: After you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, your doctor will determine the best treatment for your individual case. In order to successfully heal the condition, most hernias require surgical intervention.

Q: Does hernia surgery require hospitalization?

A: Hernia surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to return home the same day as the procedure. The surgery takes about an hour and afterwards patients are monitored for a few hours.

Call Today to Schedule a Hernia Surgery Consultation With Dr. Kamrava

Are you suffering from the symptoms of a hernia? Don’t wait. Contact Dr. Kamrava today. Dr. Kamrava is a fellowship-trained and board-certified general and colorectal surgeon who will carefully diagnosis your hernia and answer any questions you may have about your hernia symptoms or hernia treatment. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at 424.279.8222.

Next, learn about hemorrhoids.