Hernias are very common, affect both men and women, and can occur at any age, including infancy. Most do not pose a serious health risk, but you should have a medical professional assess any hernia to determine if treatment is necessary.
At Surgical Associates of North Texas, Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating hernias. He can quickly determine what type of hernia you have and present all available treatment paths, including what to expect if you decide to forgo treatment.
A thin layer of muscle and other tissues hold your internal organs and other tissues in place. This not only provides a degree of protection for your organs; it also helps maintain the structure of your body.
When part of an organ or other tissue begins to protrude through this protective barrier, it’s known as a hernia. There are many places where a hernia can develop, including your:
It’s also possible to develop a hernia where a surgical incision was made.
You might have a hernia if you notice any of these signs.
The most common sign of a hernia is a newly developed lump or bulge that you can see and feel. Sometimes the hernia comes and goes, depending on what physical activities you’re performing.
Other hernias remain in place, although you can sometimes push them back into place with your hands.
While many hernias are painless, there are some that can create discomfort, especially when they move through the muscle or tissue wall. That pain can be sharp or dull, and it can be constant or come and go over time.
A hiatal hernia develops when part of your stomach pushes into your chest cavity. It can cause an opening in your diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. This opening can allow acids from your stomach to enter your esophagus, causing the burning discomfort of acid reflux.
When a hernia in your lower abdomen can’t move back into a normal position, it can become trapped, or incarcerated. This can create a bowel obstruction that makes it difficult or impossible to pass gas or bowel movements.
This is a serious problem that requires emergency medical care.
While many hernias are not serious health conditions, they can worsen over time and might eventually need treatment. Taking action early can prevent discomfort and other complications.
If you notice a visible bulge or other signs of a hernia, reach out to our team at Surgical Associates of North Texas in McKinney, Texas, right away. We can do a quick assessment to see if a hernia is present and guide you through your treatment options.
When hernias require surgical correction, we can often use minimally invasive procedures.
Give us a call during normal business hours to schedule an appointment. You can also use our simple online booking tool to find a time that works for you.
