When should you consider hernia surgery. What are the signs that indicate it’s time to see a doctor about a suspected hernia. How do you choose the right surgeon for hernia repair. What type of doctor specializes in treating hernias.

Understanding Hernias and Their Symptoms

Hernias are a common medical condition that occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Recognizing the symptoms of a hernia is crucial for timely treatment. What are the typical signs of a hernia? The most common symptoms include:

• A visible or palpable bulge that becomes more pronounced when coughing or straining
• Mild to severe pain or pressure in the affected area
• Discomfort that intensifies during strenuous activities like lifting or straining

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary depending on the type of hernia you have. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional promptly.

The Importance of Timely Medical Consultation

Many people wonder if hernias can resolve on their own. Unfortunately, hernias do not heal without intervention. Why is it crucial to see a doctor as soon as you suspect a hernia? Early consultation allows for proper evaluation and development of an appropriate treatment plan. Even if you’re experiencing only mild discomfort, scheduling an appointment with a doctor is essential.

In some cases where the hernia is very small and asymptomatic, your doctor might recommend monitoring it for a short period before suggesting surgery. However, it’s important to understand that almost all hernias will eventually require surgical intervention. Delaying hernia surgery can lead to the hernia growing larger and surrounding muscles becoming weaker, potentially complicating the surgery and recovery process.

Recognizing Emergency Hernia Situations

While most hernias are not immediately life-threatening, certain complications can arise that require immediate medical attention. One such complication is strangulation, where a loop of intestine or tissue becomes trapped inside the hernia and loses its blood supply. What are the warning signs that indicate a hernia emergency? If you have a diagnosed hernia and experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills
• Blood in stool
• Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas

Prompt medical attention in these situations can prevent serious complications and potentially save lives.

Types of Doctors Who Treat Hernias

When it comes to hernia treatment, different medical professionals play various roles. Who is typically involved in diagnosing and treating hernias? The process usually begins with your primary care provider, who can diagnose a hernia during a physical examination. However, for surgical evaluation and treatment, you’ll likely be referred to a general surgeon.

General surgeons are trained to provide surgical care for various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissue, and endocrine system. They are equipped to offer comprehensive care, from diagnosis through post-operative treatment. Some general surgeons may choose to specialize in certain areas, such as hernia repair.

Specialized Hernia Centers

For complex cases or if you’re seeking specialized care, you might consider a dedicated hernia center. These facilities, like the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), offer access to surgeons who specialize in hernia repair and are experienced in various surgical techniques, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Hernia Repair

Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring the best possible outcome from your hernia repair. How can you make an informed decision when choosing a surgeon? Consider the following factors:

1. Experience: Inquire about the surgeon’s experience with hernia repairs, including the number of procedures they’ve performed.
2. Success rate: Ask about their record of successes and complication rates.
3. Specialization: Some surgeons focus specifically on hernia repairs and may have additional expertise.
4. Surgical techniques: Ensure the surgeon is proficient in various approaches, including minimally invasive options if appropriate for your case.
5. Hospital affiliation: Consider the quality and resources of the hospital where the surgery will be performed.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek second opinions if necessary. Your comfort and confidence in your chosen surgeon are paramount.

Advanced Surgical Techniques for Hernia Repair

Modern hernia repair has benefited from significant advancements in surgical techniques. What are the current options for hernia surgery? The main approaches include:

• Open surgery: Traditional method involving a larger incision
• Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera
• Robotic surgery: Advanced minimally invasive approach offering enhanced precision and control

Each technique has its advantages, and the best choice depends on factors such as the type and size of the hernia, your overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise. Specialized centers often offer access to the latest techniques, potentially leading to better outcomes and faster recovery times.

Recovery and Outcomes After Hernia Surgery

Understanding what to expect after hernia surgery can help you prepare for recovery. How long does it typically take to recover from hernia repair? Recovery times can vary depending on the surgical technique used and individual factors, but many patients can return to light activities within a week or two.

The success rate for hernia repairs is generally high, especially when performed by experienced surgeons. For instance, at specialized centers like the Hernia Center of NGMC, complication rates are significantly lower than the national average:

• Less than 1% of patients return to the operating room
• Less than 1% of patients are readmitted to the hospital
• Recurrence rates for inguinal hernias are less than 1%, compared to up to 30% nationally
• Recurrence rates for ventral/incisional hernias are approximately 8%, also lower than national averages

These statistics underscore the importance of choosing a skilled surgeon and specialized care for your hernia repair.

Preventing Hernia Recurrence

While hernia repair surgery is highly effective, taking steps to prevent recurrence is important for long-term health. How can you reduce the risk of developing another hernia after surgery? Consider the following preventive measures:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce abdominal pressure
• Practice proper lifting techniques to avoid straining
• Quit smoking, as it can weaken tissues and impair healing
• Manage chronic coughs or constipation, which can increase abdominal pressure
• Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully
• Engage in regular, gentle exercise to strengthen core muscles (after your doctor’s approval)

By adopting these lifestyle changes and following medical advice, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of hernia recurrence and maintain your overall health.

The Role of Ongoing Medical Care

Even after successful hernia repair, maintaining a relationship with your healthcare provider is crucial. Regular check-ups can help detect any potential issues early and ensure your continued well-being. Your doctor can also provide personalized advice on activities and lifestyle choices to support your long-term health post-surgery.

When Should I Consider Hernia Surgery?

If you suspect you have a hernia, your first plan of action should be to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Hernias will not go away on their own, so it is important to meet with a trained physician or hernia specialist who can evaluate your case and help develop a treatment plan specific to you. Here are three signs that it’s time to see a doctor about a suspected or confirmed hernia.

You have a bulge or other hernia symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of a hernia will vary based on the type of hernia you have but common symptoms include a visible or palpable bulge that becomes more pronounced when you cough or strain and mild to severe pain or pressure in the affected area that may intensify with strenuous activities, such as lifting or straining.

You suspect it’s a hernia but haven’t been to the doctor yet.

If you suspect you have a hernia— even if you’re only experiencing mild discomfort— it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In cases where the hernia is very small and not causing symptoms, you may be able to monitor and treat it with lifestyle changes and medical care for a short period before needing surgery. It’s important to understand, however, that hernias do not heal on their own and they will almost always require surgery. Delaying hernia surgery will allow the hernia to grow and muscles will likely become weaker. This will make surgery and recover more difficult.

Each patient’s situation is different, so it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for the best timeframe to have your hernia surgery.

Fortunately, hernia repair surgery is typically highly successful, and the possibility of a recurrence of is very low overall. In fact, thanks to our hernia specialists at the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), we see complication rates that are much lower than the national average.

• Less than 1% of patients returned to the operating room
• Less than 1% of patients were readmitted to the hospital
• As many as 30% of patients nationwide experience a second hernia after an initial hernia repair, but surgeons at the Hernia Center of NGMC are highly experienced and have a complication rate that is significantly lower than the national average: less than 1% for inguinal hernias and approximately 8% for all ventral/incisional hernias.

You know you have a hernia and you become ill.

If left untreated, a hernia can cause rare but serious complications, including a complication called strangulation. Strangulation can occur when a loop of the intestine or tissue becomes trapped inside the hernia and is cut off from your blood supply.

If you know you have a hernia and develop any of the following symptoms, seek immediate emergency care:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Blood in your stool
• Unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas

What type of doctor treats hernias?

Your primary care provider can diagnose a hernia. In most cases, your doctor will refer you to a general surgeon for a surgery evaluation.

A general surgeon is trained to provide surgical care for most of the body, including the gastrointestinal track, the abdomen and its contents, breast, skin and soft tissue, and endocrine system. General surgeons are trained to make a diagnosis and offer preoperative, operative, and postoperative care for the patient.

The full scope of what a general surgeon treats will vary depending on location. Some general surgeons do a vast range of surgeries, while others choose to focus on certain specialties.

How do I decide which surgeon to see for my hernia repair?

You can minimize the risks of surgery by choosing a surgeon and medical care team that are thoroughly trained and experienced in hernia repairs. When considering surgeons, ask questions about their experience with the procedure, including the number of times they’ve performed it, and their record of successes, as well as complications.

At the Hernia Center of NGMC, our surgeons are hernia specialists who are experienced and highly skilled in open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair. They will evaluate your case to determine which option is best for you. Each surgeon performs between 15 to 30 hernia surgeries a month. This means by choosing the Hernia Center of NGMC, you are getting hernia surgeons who are highly experienced and offer the highest quality surgical care possible. In fact, our hernia repair surgeons at the Hernia Center have been recognized by Surgical Review Corporation for their quality outcomes and expertise.

Next Steps

If you think you have a hernia, schedule an appointment with one of our hernia surgeons at the Hernia Center of NGMC. The Hernia Center is Georgia’s first accredited Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence and offers you access to the most advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques for hernia repair. Our experienced surgeons have performed nearly 6,000 minimally invasive hernia repairs and more than 1,500 robotic hernia repairs using the da Vinci surgical system. 

Call 770-282-8956 to speak to our care team about questions or to schedule an appointment.

Hernia Care & Treatment NYC | Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai surgeons are leaders in the treatment of hernias. Collaborating with other specialties, such as plastic surgeons and gastroenterologists, we provide our patients with individualized and comprehensive care from the time of diagnosis through recovery.

About Hernias

A hernia is a weakness or defect in the wall of the abdomen or diaphragm, present at birth or acquired later in life. They grow large over time, as the pressure inside the abdomen pushes on the area of weakness. 

Hernias can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider and may involve a physical examination or CT scan. There are many types of hernias, based on factors such as location in the body and cause.

• Femoral hernia: Located in the groin, this type of hernia may be caused by poor wound healing after surgery, heavy lifting, or straining.
• Incisional hernia: This type of hernia is a protrusion of tissue at the site of a healing surgical scar.
• Inguinal hernia: This common hernia occurs in the groin near the opening of the inguinal canal, and it may grow larger over time.
• Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: In this type of hernia, a portion of the stomach protrudes up through the hiatus and next to the esophagus.
• Umbilical hernia: An umbilical hernia is a weakness that forms in the abdominal wall through and around the belly button. Most people with this hernia first notice discomfort or a belly button bulge.
• Ventral hernia: This type of hernia develops when a weak spot in the abdomen enables abdominal tissue or an organ to protrude through a cavity muscle area.

Treatments for Hernias

Surgery for hernias can help eliminate discomfort and prevent complications. At Mount Sinai, our highly experienced surgical team offers the newest techniques for treating all types of hernias, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical procedures. Our multidisciplinary approach brings various specialists—such as plastic surgeons and gastroenterologists—together to design a customized treatment plan for each of our patients. This combination of surgical expertise and advanced technology allows our patients to achieve the safest and most durable repair with the least discomfort and fastest recovery.

Our skill in treating all types of hernias has advanced over the years, as treatment options have progressed from traditional incisional surgery, to the use of minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery..

• Traditional repair: In a traditional repair, surgical mesh is often used to reinforce the hernia repair site providing long-term reinforcement.
• Laparoscopic hernia repair: In laparoscopic hernia repair procedures—such as laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs or laparoscopic repairs for ventral and incisional hernias—patients receive general anesthesia and are completely asleep for the surgery. This procedure is less invasive, using only small incisions to insert the laparoscope. Patients are usually able to leave a few hours after surgery.
• Robotic repair: In some cases your surgeon may be able to use a surgical robot to repair a hernia, using small incisions similar to a laparoscopic surgery.

At Mount Sinai, we take the time to perform a thorough diagnosis and listen to your concerns and preferences in order to choose the best treatment plan for you.

Which doctor treats a hernia of the spine?

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• Which doctor treats spinal hernia?

The human musculoskeletal system is the most complex mechanism in which all departments interact with each other. At the same time, they are supported by the spine – the main part of the entire apparatus. It is not surprising that the greatest burden falls on him. And there is also no doubt that a hernia, the most common back problem, occurs in most cases in people of working age.

Patients of this age category, not wanting to be out of work for a long time, often try to solve their problems without the participation of a doctor. In the meantime, the spinal hernia is progressing, and it becomes quite probable that a scenario in which a once healthy person becomes bedridden. But you can avoid an unfavorable outcome, just by contacting qualified doctors in a timely manner. Do not put off a visit to a specialist, take care of yourself and your health.

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The first symptoms of this formidable disease do not always attract attention. Doctors usually diagnose a hernia by several main signs and complaints:

• numbness in the limbs, fingers or toes;
• severe prolonged pain at the site of the hernia, or radiating to the gluteal muscle or other area.

An experienced doctor can easily distinguish between pathological changes in the spine by questioning the patient and after palpation of problem areas. Just a few years ago, people had to treat a hernia by neurologists – already busy medical workers. If the patient has acute pain, then long queues in clinics and the absence of specialized doctors will most likely frighten the patient away and force him to sit and self-medicate at home.

Modern medical centers are a real salvation for people suffering from vertebral hernia. In such a clinic, anyone has the opportunity to:

• make an appointment in advance, avoiding a long wait under the office;
• comprehensively examine your body using the best equipment;
• if desired, entrust the treatment of a hernia to the chief doctor, head of the department or specialist vertebrologist ;
• during the desired period to be observed for prevention purposes.

There are situations when a hernia is discovered as a result of an examination of a patient who applied for other reasons. This is why it is extremely important to trust vertebrologist – a professional in the detection of dystrophic processes in the back.

If a hernia of the spine is treated by such a specialist, then you can count on the fact that it will be a consultation of an orthopedist, a surgeon, and a neurologist all rolled into one.

A.G. Medical Center Gritsenko gathered in the ranks of his employees the most qualified people in this field. For the treatment of hernia, we use conservative methods that have been developed and successfully used in many similar cases. You are not alone in your problem, so do not waste your precious time – contact us and we will definitely help!

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TOP 5 facts about hernia. Neurologist’s answer

Every day many people come to our clinic who have herniated and protruded intervertebral discs during MRI examination. As a rule, people have a lot of questions about what to do with it and how to live on. In this article, we will try to answer the most frequently asked questions in an accessible way.

1. What is a herniated disc and how does it differ from a protrusion?

The vertebral column (spine) consists of vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Intervertebral discs are elastic rollers located between the vertebrae. They increase the stability of the spine to vertical loads, absorb shock when running, walking, jumping, and are involved in ensuring the mobility and flexibility of the spine.

The diameter of the intervertebral disc normally corresponds to the diameter of the vertebral body. In some pathological situations, the disc may bulge beyond the spine. A bulge up to 5 mm (0.5 cm) is called a protrusion, a bulge greater than 5 mm (0. 5 cm) is called a hernia.

2. Is a herniated disc dangerous?

Disc bulge can occur in any direction (forward, backward, up, down). A forward bulge is called an anterior hernia (ventral hernia). This is an extremely rare condition. There are no important structures in front of the spine, so the anterior hernia is absolutely safe, does not cause any clinical symptoms, and does not require any treatment. Such a hernia on MRI is an incidental finding.

The situation is similar with respect to the protrusion of the intervertebral disc up or down. This bulge is called Schmorl’s hernia. Schmorl’s hernias are also an incidental finding and do not require any treatment.

Posterior hernias are of the greatest clinical interest. Behind the vertebral bodies are important structures such as the spinal cord, spinal cord membranes, roots.

Depending on the location of the bulge, posterior hernias are divided into median, paramedian and foraminal.

Median and paramedian hernias bulge into the lumen of the spinal canal, where the spinal cord and its membranes (dural sac) are located. The reserve volume of the space of the spinal canal is relatively large, so small hernias (up to 1 cm) may not cause any symptoms. Large hernias of this localization cause narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal and can compress the brain and its membranes with the back. In this case, characteristic neurological symptoms are formed, and liquorodynamics becomes difficult. It should be taken into account that the spinal cord ends at the level of the last thoracic vertebra, therefore, median hernias of the lumbar spine, even large ones, are relatively safe.

Foraminal hernias are bulging of the intervertebral disc towards the foramen, where the nerve root passes. The reserve volume of space in this area is very small, so even relatively small hernias and even protrusions can cause neurological symptoms (radicular syndrome).

3. Should a hernia be operated on?

Anterior hernias and Schmorl’s hernias definitely do not require surgical treatment.

There are exactly three indications for surgical treatment of posterior hernias:

1. Progressive rapidly increasing focal neurological symptoms (an arm or leg has failed, urination disorder).

2. Ineffectiveness of conservative treatment within 3 months.

3. Intolerable, intractable pain syndrome

In all other cases, surgical treatment is not indicated. Surgery is the last resort when all other options have been exhausted. An operation is always a risk, it is a long rehabilitation, and there is no guarantee of a cure. Statistics clearly show that relief after surgery occurs in 85% (quite effective treatment), but in 72% of cases, those who have relief after surgery within five years have complications. These complications include: hernia recurrence, adhesions at the site of surgery, the syndrome of the operated spine. Thus, in 72% of cases, after 5 years, the pain syndrome returns. And in this case, it becomes much more difficult to treat him, much more sophisticated.

4. How to treat a hernia?

The question is formulated incorrectly, it is not a hernia that needs to be treated, but a person, a hernia is just a section of cartilage tissue. In most cases, a person is not worried about the very fact of having a hernia, but about pathological symptoms (pain, backache, numbness, weakness in the limbs, dizziness, etc. ). Most often (in 95%), these symptoms are not associated with the presence of a hernia at all. It is necessary to look for the cause of the disease, it can be myofascial syndrome, facet syndrome, myositis, neuropathy, discitis, etc. How else to explain why a hernia has existed for many years, and the symptoms appeared yesterday or why a friend has a huge hernia and does not hurt, but I have a small and such pain? In any case, it is not recommended to treat the disease on your own; consultation with a specialist is necessary, because each of these diseases requires its own special approach. It is extremely wrong to treat any back pain with NSAIDs, vitamins and muscle relaxants, it is necessary to look for the cause of the pain.

5. Can a hernia resolve?

Yes, maybe. The process of resorption of the hernia is called resorption.