Abdominal Hernia Treatment
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Treat Abdominal Hernia
Most inguinal hernias enlarge over time. Large hernias can put pressure on surrounding tissues. This pressure causes pain.
Incarcerated hernia is the most serious complication of a hernia. It occurs when a loop of intestine becomes trapped in the abdominal wall. This in turn may lead to obstruction of the bowel. Strangulation can also occur if blood flow is slowed. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency. It requires immediate surgery.
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you or your child. Hernias can become bigger, infected, or stuck in one spot.
Surgery
Hernias are repaired with surgery. During the surgeries the bulging intestine is put back into place. The damaged wall is also repaired. In some cases a piece of mesh is inserted to provide extra support.
Your doctor may suggest laparoscopic surgery. This type of surgery repairs the hernia using a very small incision. The repairs are done using a lighted, thin tube and small surgical instruments.