Hernia

A hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall or groin. They are very common and are often associated with a bulge caused by tissue or internal organs protruding through the hole. Your Digestive Health Center doctor can help diagnose and guide your hernia disease management. Some small hernias can be monitored, but surgical repair is the only effective treatment.

Approximately 1 million abdominal-wall hernia repairs are performed each year in the United States. The hernia disease experts at Hartford Hospital offer state of the art, minimally invasive repair options even for the most complex hernias.

If You Need Surgery

The hernia specialists at Hartford Hospital approach hernia repair as a team. We work together to provide safe, effective hernia repair personalized for your specific needs. We use proven technology and advanced surgical techniques to avoid unnecessary discomfort and quickly get you back to normal life. Our Hernia Center doctors are known for their ability to handle the most complex cases, such as rebuilding a patient’s abdominal wall in a nine-hour surgery in a procedure called a complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Conditions We Treat

Hernias, usually found in the abdomen or groin, can also develop in the upper thigh and belly button. Here are the most common types:

Inguinal: Intestines push through the lower abdominal wall, usually in the inguinal canal in your groin.

Hiatal: Part of your stomach bulges through the muscle between the abdomen and diaphragm, then into your chest cavity.

Umbilical: Fat or intestines protrude through the abdominal wall near the bellybutton.

Other types of hernia:

• Femoral: Another groin hernia noted by fat or intestines pushing though the femoral canal. These are more common in women than men.
• Incisional: A hernia that develops at the site of a previous incision
• Epigastric: A hole in the upper portion of the abdominal wall

The Hernia Center

Common Symptoms of a Hernia

• Bulge in abdomen
• Pain or pressure
• Burning sensation
• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Change in frequency of bowel movements

Screenings & Tests/Treatments

Ultrasound: Sound waves create images of your abdomen and pelvic organs.

Computer Tomography (CT): Computer-processed X-ray measurements, sometimes supplemented with a special dye called contrast material that highlights the part of your body being examined.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): If physical activity worsens hernia pain, your doctor might recommend this test that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to determine if there’s a tear in your abdominal muscles even if no bulge is visible.

Hernia procedures:

• Open Tension Free Mesh Repair
• Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
• Open Umbilical Hernia Repair with or without mesh
• Laparoscopic Umbilical/Ventral/Incisional Hernia Repairs with mesh
• Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (open and minimally invasive)
• Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR)
• Spigelian Hernia Repair
• Lumbar Repair
• Parastomal Hernia Repair

The Hernia Center

Make an Appointment

Call to schedule an appointment with a digestive health specialist at Hartford Hospital.
Ask your doctor for a referral before you call.

Call 833.2DIGEST
833.234.4378

Hernia Disease Experts

Approximately 1 million abdominal-wall hernia repairs are performed each year in the United States.

The hernia disease experts at Hartford Hospital offer state of the art, minimally invasive repair options even for the most complex hernias.