If you think you may have a hernia, you should contact your primary care physician or family doctor and go in for a checkup. They’ll likely conduct a preliminary exam. This usually involves feeling around your abdomen or groin to identify any external signs of a hernia, like a tell-tale bulge. 

Your doctor may ask you about your physical activity, such as if you play sports. If you need sports hernia treatment, this is one of the most commonly asked questions. Your doctor may ask if your job requires you to lift heavy objects often. Then, he or she may ask whether you’re using proper lifting techniques.

4
What to Expect When You (Might) Have a Hernia: Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Back 4 of 4

Your physician might order a CT scan to investigate the cause of your pain and determine if you have a hernia. If the CT scan shows that you do have a hernia, they may recommend hernia repair surgery. This is commonly performed by a surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. 

In adults, hernias don’t usually heal on their own. Your doctor may recommend you to a surgeon to determine the proper course of treatment. This is commonly the case when the hernia is severe. 

However, umbilical hernias in babies can (and should) heal over time. But if the hernia does not go away or gets worse by the time the child is four or five years old, they may need to have umbilical hernia surgery to fix it.

Your surgeon can determine the best course of action, such as whether you need hernia repair surgery or an alternate treatment method. If you do need surgery, your doctor may recommend one of three options:

  • Herniorrhaphy: With this surgery, the doctor moves the intestine or other tissue to its rightful place and fixes the muscle tissue. You might need hernia mesh, which provides extra support to your muscle. It promotes strength and reduces the likelihood of another hernia.
  • Laparoscopic surgery: This is a type of hernia repair surgery where the surgeon makes a very small incision near the site of the hernia. Then, he or she inserts tools through the incision to repair the abdominal wall. It is one of the least invasive surgeries and recovery times tend to be much faster due to the smaller wound size.
  • Robotic surgery: This is a type of laparoscopic surgery where the surgeon operates robotic equipment to make the incision, repairs, and stitches. 

Another treatment is sports hernia physical therapy, where you attend regular rehabilitation sessions with a physical therapist. During these sessions, you’ll do exercises that aim to strengthen your abdomen, back, and pelvic area. This therapy can help you strengthen muscles to alleviate the effects or prevent another hernia.

After surgery, you may need to adjust your diet and avoid physical activity while you heal. Changing your diet can also be a great way to lose weight and prevent future hernias. Be sure to follow all the recommendations from your doctor.

Back 4 of 4

By Admin