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A hernia is no joke, but many people avoid getting the treatment they need for fear of surgery. But that can put your health at risk.

Contributed by: Amelia Dorsey, MD

Should you take a hernia seriously? Yes, says MetroHealth general surgeon Amelia Dorsey, MD, who specializes in robotic surgery for hernias. Many people follow a wait and see approach, but it may be smarter to get treated sooner, even if you don’t have many symptoms.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is a weak spot or hole inside your body, usually along your abdominal wall. This can allow nearby organs or tissues to protrude or push out of the hole. There are a few types of hernia:

  • Hiatal hernia: These start in your upper stomach and push through your diaphragm.
  • Inguinal hernia: These start in your groin.
  • Umbilical hernia: These start behind your belly button.
  • Incisional hernia: These start at the site of a surgical incision.

Hernia signs and symptoms

Sometimes you can see or feel a hernia bulge from the outside. A hiatal hernia may cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and problems swallowing. You may also experience pain or discomfort, such as a burning or stretching sensation, when you bend over or sit down; when you cough or sneeze; or when you try to lift something heavy.

Complications from hernia

Not all hernias need surgery, but reasons to seek care include bulges that do not go away, painful bulges, abdominal pain and/or frequent recurrence.

3-5% of patients with hernias may experience serious complications such as:

  • Incarceration. This is when the hernia gets stuck somewhere, causing severe pain (the bulge that does not go away).
  • Strangulation. The hernia is stuck and whatever is inside of it gets strangled, cutting off blood flow. When your intestines are involved, it can become a serious emergency.

Because hernias do not heal on their own, the only permanent fix is surgery, says Dr. Dorsey, and it’s better to fix a hernia when it’s smaller and easier to repair. The bigger the problem, the riskier the surgery.

Surgical treatment for hernias

Many people have the option of minimally invasive robotic surgery. This advanced tool gives surgeons 3D visualization of the hernia, and incisions are very small. There’s less pain and a shorter recovery time with robotic surgery. “Most of my patients report feeling great in two to three days,” says Dr. Dorsey.

Surgery options depend on your hernia type and size. Small umbilical hernias, for example, may take about 40 minutes to fix, and you can usually go home the same day. Larger hernias, especially those involving your intestines, may need traditional surgery, including abdominal wall reconstruction. Surgery and recovery take longer.

Why MetroHealth for hernia surgery?

MetroHealth handles hundreds of hernia surgeries a year, and our caregivers are experienced treating even the most complicated hernia cases. MetroHealth surgeons are robotic surgery experts, providing care at our Main Campus and at MetroHealth Brecksville Health and Surgery Center.

Suspect you have a hernia? Call 216-778-4391 to make an appointment or watch this Virtual Health Talk: Understanding Hernias – What You need to Know Before You Have Surgery for more information.