“Many people will develop a hernia at some point in their lives,” says Tomer Davidov, MD, FACS, a member of the Medical Staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “They form in the areas of the body that have a natural weakness, and the muscles in those areas become thinner as we age. In addition, a previous abdominal surgery, regularly lifting heavy objects, straining while using the bathroom, and obesity can contribute to the development of a hernia.”
A sure sign of a hernia is a bulge or protrusion that is prominent during physical activity and that goes away when you lie down. Pain that increases when straining or lifting is also a symptom, although hernias often go undetected until they are discovered during a routine physical exam, according to Dr. Davidov, who is board certified in general surgery.
Proper Diagnosis and Treatment is Important
A physical examination by a physician can easily detect a hernia, and determine how best to treat the condition.
“In many cases your doctor will decide the best course of action is what we call watchful waiting, where we keep an eye on the hernia to monitor any changes in size and symptoms,” says Dr. Davidov. “But the time will come, in about 70 percent of the cases, where surgery will become necessary to correct the problem, either because the hernia has become enlarged, is causing pain, or will not go back into place on its own.”
Failure to surgically treat a hernia when necessary, can result in a bowel obstruction or strangulation — a serious emergency medical condition — so a proper medical diagnosis and treatment of the condition is important.
A Minimally Invasive Procedure
Surgery usually involves a minimally invasive approach utilizing a small keyhole incision, and is performed as an outpatient procedure.
“It can take up to four weeks for a full recovery, but usually within one to two weeks you are back to work doing many of the things you did before the procedure,” says Dr. Davidov. “Once surgical intervention is called for, the longer you wait to have the procedure, the longer the recovery time can be.”