Most Common Symptoms of Abdominal Wall Hernias.

There are many different types of hernias. The most common are those hernias that occur in the groin (inguinal hernias) and in the belly button (umbilical hernias).

What are the symptoms of Inguinal Hernia ?

A bulge to the right or left of your pubic bone.

The bulge enlarges with prolonged standing or exertion.
The bulge flattens or becomes absent when lying flat on your back.

Pain or discomfort in the area of the bulge.

Typically a burning or stabbing sensation.
Many inguinal hernias are painless.
Pain worsens with activity, lifting or prolonged sitting or standing.

Pain or discomfort radiating toward or directly within the testicle.
Abdominal bloating or discomfort after eating.

Interesting Facts About Hernias:

Hernias of the abdominal wall are a common problem and occur in 4% of adults older than 45 years old.
More than 20 million people in the world have a hernia repair annually.
More than 1 million abdominal wall hernia repairs are performed each year in the United States.
More than 750,000 people undergo Inguinal hernia repair in the United States on an annual basis.
10% of all people will develop a hernia some time in their life.

Percentages of Hernia Types:

75% Inguinal (including femoral)
15% Umbilical
10% Incisional including primary ventral hernias.

Two Factors that can Result in an Increase in Hernia Occurrences

Age

The prevalence of all varieties of hernias increases with age.

Sex

Approximately 25% of males and 2% of females have an inguinal hernia over the course of their lifetime Femoral hernias (though rare overall) occur more frequently in women because of the differences in the pelvic anatomy (female-to-male ratio, 1.8:1). Umbilical hernias are equally common in male and female children but are 3 times more frequent in female adults than in male adults (overall female-to-male ratio, 1.7:1).

Risks of Not Treating Common Symptoms or Pain Related to Hernias

If your hernia is getting larger or becoming more uncomfortable, it may be time to have it repaired. Increasing size of the hernia can potentially make the future hernia repair more complicated and possibly increase the risk of recurrence of the hernia in the future. Increasing episodes of discomfort and increasing severity of pain associated with the hernia may portend a higher risk of imminent incarceration and strangulation of the hernia contents. Incarceration is when the contents of the hernia become stuck in the hernia opening, This can cause severe pain or even obstruction of the intestine if this is involved in the hernia. Strangulation is uncommon, but is a potential consequence of prolonged incarceration. It is when the blood supply og the hernia contents becomes compromised by the degree of it being squeezed by the hernia opening. This ultimately can be a serious emergency because the strangulated tissue can infarct (die) causing severe inflammation and infection.Outcomes from emergency surgery are often not as optimal as an elective repair.

Why Choose Center for Hernia Repair

Dr. Yunis and the team at Center for Hernia Repair care about your treatment and want you to receive the results you desire.

We specialize in the treatment of hernias and prioritize your comfort and satisfaction.
Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns regarding your weight and possible hernia surgery outcomes.

Dr Yunis

Limiting his practice to hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction, Dr. Yunis performs over 700 operations annually and has more than 20 years of experience as a hernia surgeon. Dr. Yunis has a strong interest in revisional hernia surgery — repairing recurrent hernias and surgical eradication of chronic pain from hernia surgery. His experience as a vascular surgeon has enabled enhanced confidence in managing technically complex surgical procedures. He has maintained his vascular skills and remains Board Certified in Vascular Surgery. He frequently travels to visit with and observe hernia experts from around the world.

Board Certified General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery
Board Certified Vascular Surgery by the American Board of Surgery