Hernias are very common. In fact, according to statistics, upwards of one million hernia surgeries are performed every year in the United States. When Triangle area patients seek treatment for hernias, they turn to EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region. Our Hernia Surgical Team has unparalleled surgical skills to produce the best clinical outcomes for our patients. And, we implement the latest minimally-invasive surgical procedures to provide exemplary, patient-centered care.

Causes and Types of Hernias

A hernia develops when the abdominal lining pushes through weaker layers of your abdominal wall. This forms a bulge that gradually gets bigger with time. While some hernias that do not present health risks or complications can be monitored with a “watch and wait” approach most hernias eventually need surgical intervention.

Although there are several different types of hernias, inguinal are the most common.

• Inguinal Hernia
  An inguinal (groin) hernia is a bulge that pokes out through a tear or defect in the muscle layers of the groin. A groin hernia most often occurs in individuals with increased pressure in their abdomen. Conditions that contribute to inguinal hernia formation include smoking, lung disease, chronic cough, obesity, sleep apnea, and chronic straining. This is the most common type of hernia, resulting in upwards of 800,000 hernia repairs per year in the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Femoral Hernia
  A femoral hernia occurs in the upper thigh and outer groin region.

• Ventra or Incisional Hernia
  Commonly called an incisional hernia, this variation develops on or near an incision site or scar on the abdomen from previous abdominal surgery.

• Diaphragmatic Hernia
  A diaphragmatic hernia occurs with babies presenting a hole in the diaphragm. This birth defect causes the organs in the abdomen to shift up through the hole in the diaphragm into the baby’s chest.

• Umbilical hernia
  This type of hernia is also common among infants, occurring in the belly button.

• Hiatal or Paraesophageal Hernia
  Hiatal hernias or paraesophageal hernias occur when the stomach protrudes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. This causes chest pain, intestinal bleeding, severe heartburn, acid reflux, or abdominal pain.

Types of Hernia Surgery

Again, most hernias require surgery to repair the hernia. The two main types of surgery fall under the categories of open hernia repair and laparoscopic surgeries.

• Open Hernia Surgery
  During open surgery, your surgeon makes an incision and places the stomach/organs back into their proper position. Often, surgical mesh is used to keep the organs in place and prevent a future hernia from developing. Decades of research have revealed that compared to repairs with only sutures, mesh repairs are less painful, allow quicker recovery, and result in a lower recurrence rate. Many different repair techniques and mesh products are available.

• Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
  Laparoscopic hernia surgery is often a preferred hernia repair method. As a minimally-invasive procedure, surgeons make small incisions utilizing tiny instrumentation to repair the hernia. The major benefit of laparoscopic versus hernia surgery is that patients are generally discharged from the hospital within one to three days. In addition, recovery is quicker, and pain typically subsides faster than with open surgery. The majority of patients are back to normal daily activities in about two weeks.

Which Type of Hernia Surgery Is Best for You?

The best way to determine which type of surgery is best for you is to request a consultation with an EmergeOrtho—Triangle Surgeon. Our board-certified surgeons have the experience, expertise, and knowledge to provide exemplary care in a manner that is both compassionate and efficient. Our unsurpassed skill has enabled us to help thousands of area residents Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.

If you suspect you may have a hernia or would like to learn more about our specialties and services, please call us any time at 984.279.3647.