Simple Hernia Repair
Tuesday, December 20th, 2022
Simple Hernia Repair
Every year, millions of people undergo surgery to repair a hernia. It’s estimated that 27% of men and 3% of women will develop an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives (NIDDK). The good news is that many hernias can be treated through simple procedures at a surgery center like Premier Surgical Surgery Center in Knoxville, TN.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Common types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, occurring when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. This type of hernia is more common in men than women.
- Femoral hernias are fatty tissues or parts of the intestines through a weak spot in the upper thigh, near the groin. Femoral hernias are more common in women than in men.
- Umbilical hernias happen when fatty tissue or part of the intestine bulges through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the belly button. Umbilical hernias are common in infants but can also occur in adults.
- Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen). Hiatal hernias are common in adults.
- Incisional hernias occur when tissue or an organ bulge through a weakness in the abdominal wall resulting from a previous surgical incision.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
A bulge in the affected area is the most common symptom of a hernia. Other symptoms may include:
- A burning, gurgling, or aching sensation at the bulge
- Pain or discomfort when coughing, bending over, or lifting
- A heavy or dragging feeling in the affected area
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Trouble swallowing
- Shortness of breathIf the hernia is large, the bulge may be visible when you stand up or cough. If the hernia becomes incarcerated (trapped), it can cut off blood flow to the affected area and cause severe pain. If this occurs, it’s considered a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical care.
How are hernias treated?
Most hernias can be treated through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure called a laparoscopic hernia repair. This type of surgery is performed using small incisions and special instruments to fix the hernia. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary.
Premier Surgery Center’s team of experienced, Board-Certified surgeons specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repairs. We offer a convenient, safe, affordable surgical option for patients needing simple hernia repairs. Most insurance plans are accepted, and for those without insurance, self-pay packages are available.
We are in-network with most insurance carriers in East Tennessee. Please visit our INSURANCE & FINANCING page for a full list of the insurance plans we accept.
To request a consultation with a Premier Surgical physician to explore what type of hernia repair may be appropriate for you, visit: https://www.premiersurgicalsurgerycenter.com/request-an-appointment/
