Abdominal hernias happen when an organ or other tissue breaks through a weak area within the abdominal wall. While hernias are common, many people aren’t familiar with their treatments.
You might wonder whether they always require surgery. The answer can be multifaceted and may depend on hernia size, symptoms, and complication risk.
Dr. Gregory Dumanian, a world-renowned abdominal hernia specialist, has decades of experience treating all types of hernias and abdominal wall defects. As a plastic surgeon, he has the ability to repair the abdominal wall and to cosmetically improve the skin. Dr. Dumanian is also an inventor. He created a new MESH SUTURE that allows him to repair hernias without a sheet of mesh. Less mesh means less complications and potentially less pain.
Types of Abdominal Hernias
There are many kinds of abdominal hernias. Some of the ones Dr. Dumanian treats frequently are:
- Epigastric Hernia: Occurs in the fibrous midline of the abdomen, typically in women with rectus diastasis (abdominal muscle separation) after pregnancy. It can also affect men following significant weight gain.
- Midline Incisional Hernia: Forms at the site of a previous surgery when the abdominal wall doesn’t heal properly.
- Parastomal Hernia: An incisional hernia that develops at the site of an intestinal surgery (stoma.)
- Flank Hernia: In the flank area, develops on the side of the abdomen. This type of incisional hernia can occur after upper abdominal surgeries on the gallbladder, kidneys, or liver. Dr. Dumanian is one of a select few surgeons with a very high success rate in treating flank hernias.
- Umbilical Hernia: Develops near the belly button when part of the intestine pushes through a weak area in the muscle wall. It’s more common in infants and women. Dr. Dumanian typically repairs umbilical hernias with mesh suture.
- Inguinal (or groin) Hernia: Is often done with laparoscopy or robotic surgery, and is NOT performed by Dr. Dumanian.
Abdominal Hernia Symptoms
Symptoms may vary based on hernia type, severity, and location. Common symptoms may include:
- A bulge that becomes more noticeable when standing or straining
- Discomfort or pain
- Pain that worsens when lifting or bending
- Abdominal pressure
Hernias can grow either slowly or rapidly, often with a corresponding symptom increase.
When Surgery Is Necessary for a Hernia
Surgery is generally the definitive solution for hernias. It’s the only way to restore the weakened spot in the muscle wall that allowed the hernia to happen.
If your hernia is small and isn’t causing bothersome symptoms, Dr. Dumanian might recommend a watch-and-wait approach. He generally advises surgery if:
- The hernia is large or growing rapidly.
- There is persistent pain or discomfort.
- The hernia interferes with daily activities.
- The risks of surgery are acceptable.
If you experience a strangulated hernia — where tissue is trapped in a hernia and loses its blood supply — it’s a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.
Dr. Dumanian’s published recurrence rates for midline incisional hernias with mesh placement are extraordinarily low. His most recent paper documents a recurrence rate of 0% for patients with retrorectus meshes with over 7 years of follow-up.
Abdominal Hernia Surgery in Chicago
You can trust Chicago’s leading hernia surgeon for expert hernia repair. Call Dr. Gregory Dumanian’s office at 312-695-6022 to schedule a consultation.