Frankfort Regional Medical Center

FrankfortRegional.com Which Hernia Do You Have? Hernias can come in many forms. Here's a closer look at some of the most common kinds. 1. Groin hernias are most common in men and are defined by a bulge in the groin area. 2. Incisional hernias sometimes form after patients have a surgical procedure in the abdominal area, such as a C-section, appendectomy or gallbladder removal. 3. Umbilical hernias, most common in infants, form near the belly button. 4. Recurrent hernias typically develop in the same weak spot where a patient has had a previous hernia repaired. Anyone from young infants to older adults can experience a hernia. All types of patients have the same contributing factor: a weak area in the stomach muscles. "Some hernias are present at birth, but others can develop slowly over time," says Timothy Bowling, MD, FACS, general surgeon at Frankfort Regional Medical Center. "Heavy lifting or straining can precipitate a hernia to form or worsen." WAIT OR REPAIR? Some people may not experience any symptoms with their hernia, while others may experience pain and discomfort in the abdominal area. Reducible hernias—hernias for which the affected organs and fat can be easily moved back into place—are typically not life-threatening. However, over time and without proper treatment, hernias can become larger, allowing more of the intestines to shift through the weak spot in the abdomen. "With an incarcerated hernia, the intestine can become strangulated and lose its blood supply, which requires emergency surgery," Dr. Bowling says. "For this reason, all hernias should be considered for repair. As hernias become larger, they also become more difficult to fix and the chances of recurrence can increase. Patients should discuss their specific situation with their physician to decide if surgery is right for them." SURGICAL OPTIONS TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE For patients needing hernia repair, the surgeons at Frankfort Regional are excited to offer laparoscopic treatment options. "Most hernias can be fixed in a minimally invasive fashion, with a simple outpatient procedure that requires only a few small incisions," Dr. Bowling says. "This has many benefits for the patient, the most obvious being less pain and discomfort after surgery. Patients are able to return to normal activities sooner after they return home and typically experience less scarring than with traditional open approaches." Â To schedule an appointment with a board-certified surgeon, call Consult-A-Nurse at 877-FRMC-MD1 (877-376-2631). Timothy Bowling, MD General Surgeon Offering Help for Hernias Bulging in the belly or groin could be a sign of a hernia—a common condition in which fat or the intestines push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall muscle. 1 2 3 6

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