Hernia FAQs
Abdominal and Groin Hernias
This page provides answers to the following questions:
- What is a hernia and how do I know if I have one?
- How do I know if I need surgery?
- What are the different surgical options?
What is a hernia and how do I know if I have one?
Hernias are usually recognized as a bulge under the skin in the abdominal wall or groin area. This bulge is an area of weakness in the abdominal wall with subsequent protrusion. Symptoms related to hernias include pain, aching, and burning particularly after lifting heavy objects, exercising or straining. Sometimes hernias may not produce any symptoms.
Hernias can occur at any age and in any location of the abdominal wall. The most common areas include the groin (inguinal), the navel (umbilical), and along old scars (incisional or ventral).
How do I know if I need surgery?
The only way to permanently repair a hernia is with surgery. Hernias do not go away over time, and they tend to increase in size with age. In most cases especially for those patients with minimal symptoms, surgery is not emergent and can be done electively at the patient’s earliest convenience. Complications related to an untreated hernia are rare, but may include bowel obstruction or strangulation. These dangerous complications would require emergency treatment.
What are the different surgical options?
For one-sided first time groin hernias (most common), most patients undergo an open repair using mesh to cover the hernia defect. This can be done with local, regional or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Other types of hernias such as bilateral groin hernias or incisional hernias may be better treated using the laparoscopic approach for mesh placement and repair.
After a thorough discussion with the surgeon, the exact procedure would be determined based upon the patient’s specific situation and condition.
What is the recovery time?
Each patient recovers at their own pace, but in general, most patients can return to light-duty work about 1 week after surgery. Vigorous activity such as exercise and sports may be restricted for a longer period of time depending upon the type of hernia and repair.
How do I make an appointment?
The surgeons listed below have extensive training and experience with this type of surgery. An appointment can be made for a consultation regarding this procedure by contacting either of their offices:
Miguel Burch, MD: (617) 414-8052
Lily Chang, MD: (617) 414-8080
Donald Hess, MD: (617) 414-8052