What is a hernia?

A hernia is often seen as a “bulge” in your abdominal or groin area.  It can arise suddenly or you could be born with it.  It develops as a weakness or tear in the wall of your abdomen or groin.  It can cause you no discomfort or you may feel pain when you strain, cough, lift heavy objects, or have a bowel movement. In some instances, with an abdominal hernia, your intestine may become “trapped” or strangulated in this weak area of your abdomen.  This requires emergency surgery.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is determined by a physical examination given by your doctor.  Occasionally, a Xray test, or CT scan, is performed also.

Treatment:

Treatment requires repairing or patching the hernia under general anesthesia.  This repair of the weak area may be done with suture (surgical thread) or with mesh.  The laparoscopic approach will vary depending on the location and type of hernia, but use of the laparoscope will allow the surgeon to view and repair the hernia from the inside. Usually, this requires 2-4 small incisions, however, Dr. Marx has done this procedure with just one.