3 Types of Hernias and How to Treat Them

Your abdominal wall is like a protective fortress, safeguarding your abdominal organs. This protective connective and muscle tissue can develop weak spots, however, which you may have been born with or that might emerge as a result of some type of accident or bodily trauma. 

When a bit of soft tissue or part of your intestine starts to protrude through one of these weak areas, the bulge that develops indicates you’ve developed a hernia. Though hernias are common, they shouldn’t be ignored.

You’re in the best hands when you seek treatment for a hernia from Dr. Luis Quinones at Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia. He not only treats you with respect, Dr. Quinones combines years of experience and talent with a warm approach that lets you know he’s an invested partner in your care. 

Types of hernias

Even though the term “hernia” is often used in a general sense, three types of hernias are the most commonly diagnosed, and it’s important to be able to differentiate them, especially if you’re diagnosed with a hernia. 

1. Inguinal hernia

This type of hernia affects your inner groin and represents 75% of hernias. It develops when a portion of your bowel protrudes into your inguinal canal, which is a passage that runs along your inner thigh. 

Men are mainly affected by inguinal hernias, but women can have the condition as well. Also common are outer groin, or femoral, hernias. 

2. Incisional hernia

This type of hernia occurs when tissue extends through a weakened location where an incision was made during a previous abdominal surgery. About one-third of abdominal surgery patients develop an incisional hernia. 

3. Umbilical hernia 

This type of hernia occurs in the area of your belly button and is especially common in babies under six months of age. Approximately 20 percent of infants get diagnosed with one. They develop because the muscles around the umbilical cord don’t close. Unlike other types, these hernias often resolve on their own by the time a child is four or five years old. 

Adults get umbilical hernias too, however, and they account for a full 10 percent of adult abdominal hernias. Umbilical hernias in adults are usually related to aging.

Umbilical hernias strike a naturally vulnerable spot on the body. The combination of abdominal wall weakness and abdominal pressure makes for a hernia perfect storm. 

Though it’s certainly possible for a hernia to develop out of the blue, it’s more likely to happen when something puts pressure on your abdomen, like when you cough or sneeze for prolonged periods, go through a pregnancy, or strain when going to the bathroom. Any type of intense exercise or lifting very heavy objects can also cause a hernia.

How hernias make themselves known

The most obvious symptom of a hernia is a visible bulge when tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weak point in your inner or outer groin, near your navel, or at the site of a past surgery or injury. Next is pain or a weighty feeling in one of those locations. If you’re male, you may also notice pain in your scrotum or even swelling or redness.

When a hernia progresses to a severe point, more alarming symptoms emerge, like:

• Pain that gets unexpectedly more intense
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Being unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement

Unfortunately, hernias don’t heal by themselves, and once some of the more alarming symptoms we just described occur, it’s crucial you seek medical care. You should always be monitored if you suspect you have a hernia, so you can be treated if necessary. 

Treatment for hernias

When you come to Q&S Surgical for hernia care, Dr. Quinones can perform a minimally invasive repair procedure, meaning only one or two small incisions are necessary and specially designed surgical instruments allow him to have better precision as he performs your surgery.

Repair typically involves Dr. Quinones pushing the protruding tissue back to where it should be and fortifying the weakened area with stitches or surgical mesh. 

Minimally invasive procedures are less traumatic to your body and are associated with less pain, quicker recovery, and less bleeding and scarring. You’re also at lower risk for post-surgical infection. 

Don’t delay scheduling an appointment at Q&S Surgical if you notice visual signs of a hernia or feel pain or other uncomfortable symptoms. To schedule an appointment, call our office today or click online to book anytime.