General Surgery Specialist Dr. Emran Kuzey Avcı at Izmir Private Gazi Hospital answered frequently asked questions about abdominal hernias.
What is an abdominal hernia?
An abdominal hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, and hernias occurring at old surgery sites are most commonly seen.
What are the symptoms?
Generally, a swelling in the abdomen or groin area that becomes prominent with straining, coughing, or heavy lifting is the most fundamental symptom. This swelling may disappear when you lie down. However, if there is pain, the swelling does not go in, nausea and vomiting, this could be a sign of a "strangulated hernia," which is an emergency.
Does it go away only with medication?
Unfortunately, hernias do not go away with medication or corset use. A hernia is a physical damage and its only definitive treatment is surgery. Hernias that are not operated on in time continue to grow and can lead to vital risks such as intestinal knotting.
How is the surgery performed?
Today, we successfully perform hernia surgeries with both open and laparoscopic (closed) methods. In the closed method, we enter through very small incisions and place a mesh in the hernia area. In this way, our patients feel much less pain and can return to their work lives much faster.