Hernia Surgery in Southeast Michigan
Hernias in the abdominal wall manifest as openings or gaps in its muscular and fascial layers, allowing internal structures like the bowel to protrude, forming a noticeable bulge. These hernias can develop in individuals of any age or gender and tend to grow larger with time, exacerbating symptoms and potentially leading to complications. They commonly fall into distinct categories, each presenting its own set of characteristics and considerations.
Most hernias fall into one of the following categories:
Inguinal (Groin) Hernia
Inguinal hernias are much more common in males and can be present at birth or develop later in life.
What are common symptoms of groin hernias?
- A bulge in the groin, usually small at first, becomes more prominent with prolonged standing, lifting, pushing, or other exertion.
- Pain from a hernia may occur at the site of the bulge or may radiate to the leg or groin from nerve pressure.
- Over time, an untreated hernia will enlarge and produce more symptoms.
- Some groin hernias are difficult to diagnose. Radiologic tests (dynamic ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI) are sometimes helpful to confirm a questionable diagnosis.
What causes inguinal hernias?
- Heavy lifting can be a precipitating factor. With heavy exertion, the abdominal wall fascia (which binds muscles together and binds muscles to bone) can tear.
- Weak fascia is a very common, often unrecognized, factor. This weakness is not affected by conditioning and is often inherited.
- Obesity, smoking, certain medications, and poor nutrition can also weaken fascia and predispose to hernias.
Can groin hernias be dangerous?
- Yes. Like all abdominal hernias, groin hernias can trap bowel or other contents.
- A hernia bulge that cannot be reduced (pushed back in) is classified as incarcerated.
- Incarcerated hernias are dangerous because they can progress to strangulation (squeezing the trapped intestinal loop and choking off the blood flow).
- A strangulated hernia usually causes severe pain, vomiting, and requires emergency surgery to rescue the bowel.
- Most hernias that cause no symptoms pose minimal risk of suddenly progressing to these dangerous complications.
Do groin hernias need to be fixed?
Typically, yes. Because of the high likelihood of symptoms progressing, most groin hernias should be surgically repaired.
Groin hernias in women are thought to be particularly high risk for complications.
How are groin hernias repaired?
- Most groin hernias can be repaired with outpatient, minimally invasive, robotic surgery. This approach usually enables quick recovery with low surgical risks.
- Every patient is different, and some have conditions that make traditional, open surgery a better option.
- Our surgeons have extensive experience and expertise with open and minimally invasive surgery for hernia repair.
Ventral Hernia
Ventral hernias occur on the front of the abdominal wall, usually through scar tissue after abdominal surgery (ventral incisional hernias).
What causes ventral hernias?
- Like umbilical hernias, diastasis recti is a significant risk factor.
- Other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Prior wound infection
- Steroids and other immune-compromising medications
- Poor nutrition
- About 10% of patients will develop incisional hernias after open abdominal surgery for various conditions.
Do ventral hernias require surgery?
- Usually, yes, especially when the hernia is large and very symptomatic.
- Some ventral hernias are small, cause minimal symptoms, and can be monitored without surgery.
- After weighing the risks and benefits of surgical repair, some patients opt for expectant management (watchful waiting), foregoing surgery.
- Symptoms can sometimes be decreased with an abdominal binder.
What is the best technique for repairing a ventral hernia?
- Both open and robotic surgical techniques are commonly used to repair ventral hernias. Hernia size and patient features influence surgical recommendations.
- Mesh is typically used for the repair of ventral hernias.
Where can I read more about hernias?
- https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/hernia-surgical-mesh-implants
- https://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/inguinal-hernia-repair-surgery-patient-information-from-sages//
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/12/battling-bulging-hernia
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/abdominal-wall-defect/
- https://www.davincisurgery.com/procedures/general-surgery/inguinal-hernia#:~:text=Surgeons%20can%20perform%20inguinal%20hernia,magnified%20view%20inside%20your%20body.
- https://ales.amegroups.com/article/view/4219/5063 – 2017 guideline summary for hernia management from multiple hernia societies from around the world.
- https://americanherniasociety.org/patient-education – patient education material from the American Hernia Society
Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical (belly button) hernias are common in newborn babies but also develop later in life.
What are the risk factors for developing an umbilical hernia?
- Pregnancy and obesity are major risk factors.
- Diastasis Recti – midline separation of the rectus abdominis muscles – is commonly caused by pregnancy and obesity. This leads to thin and fragile midline tissue (linea alba), which can tear and leave a hernia defect.
Do umbilical hernias need to be repaired?
- Some umbilical hernias, when they are small and not causing symptoms, can be observed.
- Umbilical hernias should be repaired when they are large enough to allow bowel to protrude or when they cause pain.
- Appropriate options should be discussed with a hernia surgeon.
How are these hernias repaired?
- Both open and robotic surgical techniques are commonly used to repair umbilical hernias. Hernia size and patient features influence surgical recommendations.
- Mesh repair and non-mesh repair are commonly used, depending on hernia size and other factors.
Schedule a Hernia Surgery Consultation in Southeast Michigan
If you’re dealing with a hernia and seeking effective surgical solutions, SEM Surgical is here to help you achieve relief and a swift recovery. Our experienced team specializes in hernia repair with advanced techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Contact us today at (248) 985-8060 to schedule a consultation at our general surgery clinic in Royal Oak, MI and take the first step toward a healthier, hernia-free future.
