You Don’t Have to Live with a Hernia!
A hernia happens when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This creates a visible or palpable bulge in the body — often in the abdomen, torso, or groin. Hernias can affect men, women, and children, and while some are painless at first, they often lead to discomfort or more serious complications over time.
Common symptoms include a noticeable bulge, pain or pressure near the area, and discomfort when lifting, bending, or coughing. In more severe cases, individuals may experience sharp abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting — possible signs of an incarcerated or strangulated hernia that requires immediate medical attention.
What Increases Your Risk?
Anyone can develop a hernia, but certain risk factors may raise your chances. These include:
Obesity
Older age
Pregnancy
Family history
Connective tissue disorders
Repetitive lifting or physical strain
Chronic constipation or coughing
Taking preventive steps like maintaining a healthy weight, using proper lifting techniques, and avoiding excessive straining may help reduce your risk, but not all hernias are preventable.
Types of Hernias
There are several types of hernias, but the most common is the inguinal hernia, which occurs in the lower abdominal wall and is more prevalent in men. Other types include:
Umbilical hernias – near the belly button
Hiatal hernias – when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm
Femoral hernias – more common in women, near the upper thigh
Incisional hernias – occur at the site of a previous surgical incision
A proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is key to determining the type and severity of your hernia.
How Hernias Are Treated at Adena
While lifestyle changes may ease symptoms, surgery is the only permanent fix for most hernias. At Adena Health, patients have access to both minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery (laparoscopic) and traditional open surgery. Our surgeons will recommend the best approach based on the size, location, and complexity of your hernia.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers many benefits:
Smaller incisions
Less postoperative pain
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recovery times*
Regardless of the method, timely treatment can prevent long-term damage and reduce the chance of a hernia returning.
Get the Relief You Deserve
You don’t have to live with the discomfort or risk that comes with an untreated hernia. Let Adena Health help you take the next step toward relief and recovery.
Call 740-779-7500 or visit Adena.org to schedule a consultation today.