Hernia Blog
What Is the Difference Between an Inguinal and Femoral Hernia?
When someone has a bulge in the groin, one of the first questions is whether it is an inguinal hernia or a femoral hernia. Both occur in the same general area. Both can cause a lump, discomfort, or pain. And both can be repaired using similar overall surgical...
Do I Need to Fix My Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernias are quite common. They are often very easy to diagnose, and if the bulge is large enough, your family and friends may notice it too. An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the belly button caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. In many...
“After hernia repair, what limitations will I have on my activities?”
Short answer: Our goal is no permanent restrictions. Once the surgical soreness has resolved, you may usually return to all your usual activities—work, lifting, exercise, and sports—without special limits. Use common sense, but there are no long-term “can’t do” rules....
“I have a painful hernia but I’m on Plavix and aspirin after heart stents. Can I have surgery now?”
Short answer: often it’s safest to wait until you’re 6 months out from the stent/heart attack—then we can usually stop Plavix (clopidogrel) for a few days, continue aspirin, and repair the hernia with a low cardiac risk. American College of CardiologyCleveland Clinic...
Do I Need a Scan to Diagnose a Hernia?
Usually, no. In most cases, a hernia can be diagnosed with a good history and a careful physical exam. That is especially true for a typical inguinal hernia in the groin, or an umbilical hernia. Many patients assume they will need an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI before...
Do I Need General Anesthesia for Hernia Surgery?
Can You Fix a Hernia Without General Anesthesia? In many cases, yes. For most patients with an inguinal hernia (a hernia in the groin), repair can often be done without full general anesthesia. That surprises many people. Some assume every hernia operation requires...
Can I Keep Working If I Have a Hernia?
In many cases, yes. If you have a hernia and it is not causing pain or limiting your activities, you can often keep working without special restrictions. That said, the answer depends in part on how the hernia was discovered and whether it is being treated as a...
“Am I too old or too high-risk for hernia repair?”
Short answer: maybe not. Age and heart disease don’t automatically rule out safe hernia surgery. It’s worth coming in for an evaluation so we can look at your risks and options. Why an evaluation mattersModern surgery is far more adaptable than it used to be. Many...
“I lifted something heavy and felt a painful groin bulge that went away. Is that a hernia?”
Very likely. What you describe—a sudden bulge in the groin with discomfort after straining that then slips back in and the pain eases—is classic for a reducible inguinal hernia. A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall that lets tissue push out when pressure rises...
I Have a Hernia but Don’t Want Surgery. Is It Okay Just to Use a Truss?
A hernia happens when part of an organ—often the intestine—pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. This can cause a bulge, discomfort, or pain. Many people wonder if they can avoid surgery by using a truss or hernia belt. A truss is a supportive garment that...