Is a hernia an emergency?

When part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, it is known as a hernia. There are many different types of hernias, but the most common include inguinal (groin), umbilical, femoral, hiatal and incisional.

Hernias can be caused by wear and tear over time, or one severe episode of increased pressure. This can cause a tear in the strong tissues of the wall. Sometimes hernias are caused by lifting heavy objects or even coughing, sneezing, diarrhea or constipation.

“We typically see hernias in the abdominal wall,” explains Dr. Rebecca Johnson, a general surgeon at Aurora BayCare Medical Center.

Signs of a hernia can include:

• A noticeable bulge that is visible at all times or only during certain activities and disappears when laying down
• A feeling of pressure, pinching or aching at the bulge site
• Pain or discomfort that is worsened by physical activity

Dr. Johnson says a hernia is not necessarily an emergency, but it can be. “The important thing to remember is that if someone knows they have a hernia and it is suddenly firm, painful, and hard, we need to look at it right away.”

Hernias can often be diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may also order additional imaging such as an ultrasound or CT to learn more about the hernia.

Smaller hernias that do not cause symptoms may not require surgical repair and can instead be monitored regularly. Larger and/or more complex hernias require surgical intervention, which is often minimally invasive and robot-assisted. The procedure typically involves small incisions and offers the benefit of a quick recovery time.

With the right treatment, an individual can return to their normal lifestyle after hernia repair.

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