Hernias Treated by Top Rated Doctors in Baltimore

The stomach and intestines are covered and protected by three layers of tissue: the peritoneum, a wall of muscles and the skin. When a tear or weak spot develops in the muscle wall, internal tissue can push through, creating a hernia.

Abdominal herniation is a common condition affecting both sexes and all ages. The three main locations of hernias are:

• Inguinal or groin, where the lower abdomen meets the leg
• Incisional, in an area of prior abdominal surgery
• Umbilical or belly button, which usually appear in infancy or early childhood

Most hernias stay the same size or get larger very slowly. Once a hernia appears it doesn’t go away by itself. An exception to this is belly button hernias which often disappear by age three or four.

Symptoms of hernias can come and go, and may be more noticeable after coughing, sneezing or straining at a task.

• Abdominal pain
• Groin pain
• Dull ache or pulling sensation
• Abdominal swelling or bulge under the skin
• Bulge may be prominent when standing, and go away when lying down
• Rarely, a piece of intestine can become stuck (incarcerated) in the weakened muscle wall and cause intense pain. This can lead to serious complications and requires urgent medical attention.

You may find a hernia yourself or your doctor might find one during a routine physical examination. Sometimes an abdominal CT scan or ultrasound exam may be necessary to pinpoint the exact location and size of damaged muscle wall.

Laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice for effective and lasting hernia repair. The weak area or gap in the abdominal wall is closed and strengthened using stitches and a special patch (surgical mesh). An added benefit of the laparoscopic technique is the ability of the surgeon to check for the presence of other abdominal hernias. These can then be repaired at the same time, eliminating the need for additional surgery in the future.

Advantages of minimally invasive surgery for hernia repair typically include:

• A few small scars (half inch or less)
• Less discomfort following surgery
• Most patients go home the same day
• Faster recovery and return to normal activity
• Reduced risk of recurrence