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What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall weaken – and the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area to form a balloon-like sac. This, in turn, can cause a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to slip into the sac, causing pain and other potentially serious health problems.
Causes
What causes a hernia?
Hernias are common in men and women of all ages. Hernias usually occur either because of a natural weakness in the abdominal wall or from excessive strain on the abdominal wall, such as the strain from heavy lifting, substantial weight gain, persistent coughing, or difficulty with bowel movements or urination.
Types
What are the different types of hernias?
The most common types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernia: A type of hernia that develops in the groin.
- Ventral hernia: A type of hernia in the front of the abdominal wall. An umbilical hernia is one common type.
- Incisional hernia: A type of hernia that develops at the site of an incision from a previous surgery. It may develop shortly after the surgery or years later.
- Hiatal (or hiatus) hernia: A type of hernia that develops where the esophagus (swallowing tube) comes through the diaphragm (breathing muscle).
Symptoms
What are the symptoms?
Not all hernias cause symptoms and require treatment. However, if you have a hernia, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- a noticeable protrusion in the groin area or abdomen
- feeling pain while lifting
- a dull aching sensation
- a vague feeling of fullness
Treatments
When should I seek treatment?
If a hernia is causing you pain or discomfort, you should talk to your doctor. Frequently, hernias are small when they begin, but often enlarge. Treatment is generally recommended to avoid emergency surgery or other health problems.
What can I expect?
Today’s hernia surgeries are frequently performed on an outpatient basis and patients often recuperate within a few days. The surgery may be done either as an open repair or laparoscopically.
Open repair
An open repair is performed under a local anesthetic and sedation or general anesthetic. The surgeon performs the procedure through an incision, pushing the hernia contents into its proper position behind the muscle wall. The muscle wall is then reinforced with stitches or synthetic mesh to complete the repair. Most patients go home a few hours after surgery. If needed, a 23-hour extended recovery area is available. Typically, most patients feel okay within a few days after the surgery and resume normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Strenuous activity and exercise are restricted for four to six weeks after surgery.
Laparoscopic repair
This type of minimally invasive surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and uses a thin, telescope-like instrument known as a laparoscope that is inserted through three tiny incisions in the abdomen. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera, which projects an “inside view” of the patient’s body onto television screens in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) to allow your doctor to view your internal structures. A mesh patch is attached inside to reinforce the weak area in the abdominal wall.
Following the procedure, the small abdominal incisions are closed with a stitch or two, or with surgical tape. Within a few months, the incisions are barely visible. Patients often experience less pain and recuperate and return to normal activity sooner. The laparoscopic procedure is as safe and effective as the open procedure when performed by specially trained experts, such as the surgeons at Cleveland Clinic’s Comprehensive Hernia Center.
Which type of surgery is right for me?
The surgeons at Cleveland Clinic’s Comprehensive Hernia Center can help determine what type of surgery is best for your specific type of hernia. The decision depends on many factors including the type of hernia, whether or not you have had previous surgeries, and if you are a candidate for general anesthetic, nerve blocks or local anesthesia. Our surgeons will determine the best surgical procedure for you, helping to avoid recurrent hernias and complications.
3,000
Surgeons at Cleveland Clinic ’s Comprehensive Hernia Center perform more than 3,000 hernia repairs each year.
18
Patients can be treated at any of 18 convenient locations in northeast Ohio.
Appointments
To schedule an appointment with a hernia specialist today, call one of the following Cleveland Clinic locations (same-day appointments are available):
- Cleveland: 216.444.6644
- Akron: 330.344.7874
Virtual Second Opinion
If you cannot travel to Cleveland Clinic, help is available. You can connect with Cleveland Clinic specialists from any location in the world via a phone, tablet, or computer, eliminating the burden of travel time and other obstacles. If you’re facing a significant medical condition or treatment such as surgery, this program provides virtual access to a Cleveland Clinic physician who will review the diagnosis and treatment plan. Following a comprehensive evaluation of medical records and labs, you’ll receive an educational second opinion from an expert in their medical condition covering diagnosis, treatment options or alternatives as well as recommendations regarding future therapeutic considerations. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to speak with the physician expert directly to address questions or concerns.
Why Choose Us?
Why I Come to Cleveland Clinic's Comprehensive Hernia Center
At Cleveland Clinic ’s Comprehensive Hernia Center, surgeons perform more than 3,000 hernia repairs each year, from the routine to the most complex cases, at 17 convenient locations in northeast Ohio. Our center is designed so that patients receive individualized care, undergoing a comprehensive evaluation with a board-certified surgeon to determine the best surgical procedure for their specific type of hernia, which helps avoid recurrent hernias and complications.
Resources
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