What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a condition where fatty tissue or an organ bulges through a weak spot in a muscle or connective tissue. Hernias most commonly occur in the abdominal (belly) wall or groin area.
Some hernias are present from birth, but most develop gradually as you age due to consistent muscle wear and tear.
Different types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernia or groin hernia. This hernia is the most common type and appears in the inner groin—the area between the lower part of the abdomen and the thigh.
- Hiatal or Paraoesophageal hernia. Typically found in older people, this type of hernia bulges through the diaphragm/upper stomach.
- Femoral or Obturator hernia. This hernia can appear on the top of the thigh/outer groin.
- Incisional hernia. This type can occur after surgery in the wall of the abdomen.
- Umbilical hernia. This kind of hernia appears as a bulge in the belly button.
- Periumbilical hernia. This type bulges next to the belly button.
Hernia Symptoms
A hernia can appear as a visible lump, becoming more pronounced when you stand or sit upright, strain the muscle, or cough. However, some hernias are too deep to be visible and may not cause any symptoms.
Symptoms from hernias can include:
- Swelling or bulging in your abdomen or groin area.
- Pain, aching, or burning sensation at the bulge.
- Discomfort in the abdomen or groin when bending over or lifting objects.
- Heavy pressure or bloating in the abdomen.
- Constipation.
- Blood in the stool.
- Heartburn.
- Indigestion.
- Swelling and pain around the testicles and scrotum.
What Causes a Hernia?
The primary cause of hernias is a repetitive stress injury—years of exertion or pressure can cause muscle or tissue to weaken, allowing a hernia to push through. Sometimes, this muscle weakness is present from birth, but more typically develops in aging adults.
Causes of wear and tear that can result in a hernia include:
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Persistent sneezing or coughing.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea.
- Difficulty urinating.
Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop a hernia if you have:
- A job that requires long hours of standing or heavy lifting.
- Persistent constipation/straining to produce a bowel movement.
- Chronic allergies that cause constant sneezing.
- Obesity.
- A pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies.
- Pelvic or abdominal surgery.
- Certain medications such as steroids or chemotherapy.
Some children are born with a hernia. Congenital hernias are more common in children with the following conditions:
- Premature birth.
- Connective tissue disorder.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Congenital hip dysplasia.
- Undescended testicles.
- Urinary system issues.
- Reproductive system issues.
Complications
Hernias are not uncommon and, in most cases, are rarely serious. But hernias do not go away by themselves. Left untreated, complications can occur, including:
- Increase in pain.
- Enlargement of the hernia and loss of abdominal wall domain.
- Incarceration—when a hernia becomes stuck and cannot be pushed back in.
- Bowel obstruction. An incarcerated hernia could make it hard to pass gas or food.
- Strangulation. When the blood supply of incarcerated tissue is cut off, it can lead to tissue death, such as gangrene or necrosis.
Prevention
Anyone can develop a hernia. While there is no surefire way to prevent one, here are a few tips to help lower your risk of getting a hernia.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights or objects.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Strengthen your abdominal muscles through exercise.
- Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation.
- Seek treatment if you develop a reoccurring cough.
- Try not to strain while having a bowel movement.
If you are currently living with a hernia and aren’t planning to have it repaired, you can prevent it from worsening by doing the following:
- Adjust your work habits to avoid straining the hernia.
- Consider wearing a restraining belt to hold the hernia in place while active.
- Pay attention to any changes or intensifying symptoms and report them to your doctor
We Provide Treatments for:
Inguinal hernia. Hernia located near the groin or scrotum.
Epigastric hernia. Hernia located in the belly wall.
Hiatal or Paraoesophageal hernia. Hernia is located in the diaphragm (separating the abdomen from the chest).
Femoral or Obturator hernia. Hernia situated near the lower belly and into the upper thigh.
Ventral or incisional hernia. Hernia located in the area of the incision (surgical cut) after previous surgery.
Umbilical hernia. Hernia located near the belly button or navel
Paraesophageal hernia. Hernia located alongside the esophagus
Types of Treatments We Offer:
- Open Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
- Robotic Hernia Repair
- Sports Hernia treatment
- Hernia Repair under Minimal Anesthesia
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
- Component Separation
- Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair
- Non-Mesh Hernia Repair (Suture only repair)
- Mesh Excision
- Nerve Injections for Chronic Pain
- Nerve Resection
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Paraoesophageal Hernia Repair
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
- Other General Surgery Procedures (i.e. gallbladder removal, lipoma or cyst removals)
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Hernia Services at NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian provides expert care for people with new or recurrent hernias. The Columbia Hernia Center, The Center for Hernia and Gallbladder Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, and The Comprehensive Hernia Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital bring together world-class physicians focused on delivering the highest-quality hernia care possible. Many of our patients receive minimally invasive surgical treatments involving small incisions (cuts) and a few stitches.