Hernias - The What, Why and How

Recently, SIH Second Act members heard from SIH Medical Group general surgeon, Adrian Martin, as he discussed hernias, one of the most common diagnoses surgeons treat.

What is it exactly?

A hernia is tissue protruding through a natural or acquired defect, such as a former incision, or weak spot in the abdominal wall.

Why does this happen?

Basically, as we age, we may develop a weakening of the connective tissue. But also, things like heredity or other medical conditions may be a cause. Risk factors that contribute include obesity, smoking, diabetes or pulmonary disease.

How do you know if you have one?

At first, a hernia may go undiagnosed because there are few symptoms. But the natural progression is for them to get larger, then they may reveal themselves as a bulge on the abdomen that may expand with coughing, sneezing or straining. As they get larger, you may also feel discomfort, pressure, numbness.

Make sure your physician is monitoring regularly. At some point a planned surgery is often required to prevent things like bowel obstruction, strangulation of tissue or other causes for emergency surgery.

Here are some symptoms that are emergent. Call 911.

• Intense persistent pain
• Hernia is painful, hard and can’t be pushed back in
• Pain when attempting to reduce
• New skin redness
• New onset of nausea/vomiting
• New abdominal distension and no gas/bowel movement