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Have you noticed a dull pain or ache in your abdomen? Is there a strange bulge in your belly? A hernia could be the cause. But not all hernias are the same, and different types can have different symptoms.
Board-certified surgeon Abel Bello, MD, at MIB Surgery helps people in Plantation, Florida, overcome different types of hernias with surgical repair. If you’re wondering whether the symptoms you’re experiencing could be caused by a hernia, keep reading to learn about the common types of hernias and how we can help.
The muscles in your abdomen do more than just help you move. They protect your organs and help keep them in the right place. When one or more of these muscles weakens or tears, tissues or an organ can move out of place and into an area where it doesn’t belong, causing a hernia.
Hernias can cause a noticeable bulge in your abdomen, but depending on the type of hernia, you may not feel a bump. If you do have a bulge or bump, it may move or come and go depending on the activity you’re doing.
Men are far more likely to develop hernias because of the anatomy of the male groin region. Women have a stronger lower abdomen to help keep the uterus in place and carry a child to full term. In addition, men have a space in their groin muscles to allow blood vessels to feed their testicles, making it easier for a hernia to form.
Generally speaking, in addition to a bulge or bump, other symptoms of most hernias include:
You may notice your symptoms get worse when you engage your abdominal muscles, such as when you laugh, exercise, or sneeze, and when you strain, like when you’re lifting something heavy or having a bowel movement.
There are different types of hernias, and they get their name based on where the herniation occurs in your body. Here’s a look at the five most common types of hernias:
There are many other less-common hernias including ventral hernias, lumbar hernias, perineal hernias, sciatic hernias, and more. For an accurate diagnosis, it’s important to see our team for a consultation.
With all types of hernias, complications can arise if the organ or tissue involved gets stuck (incarcerated hernia), if the supply of blood to the herniated tissues or organ is cut off (strangulated hernia), or if the bowel is blocked (bowel obstruction).
These complications are considered a medical emergency and require immediate attention. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:
You should also go to the emergency room if you can no longer push the bulge back through the muscle wall.
Hernias don’t resolve on their own, so if you suspect you have a hernia it’s important to schedule an appointment with a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Bello at MIB Surgery. Surgery helps ensure you won’t develop one of the life-threatening complications hernias can cause.
At MIB Surgery, we use minimally invasive surgery techniques to repair your hernia using only a few small incisions. Depending on the type of hernia and its location, your surgeon may use robotic-assisted laparoscopy or manual laparoscopy.
If you suspect you may have a hernia, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bello at MIB Surgery. Call our Plantation, Florida, office at 954-546-7958 or request an appointment using our online booking tool.
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