Hernias are a common and frustrating problem for many individuals. In fact, there were32.53 million prevalent cases, globally. While some may experience no discomfort or pain at all, others may have severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

Syracuse Hernia Center, your destination for advanced surgical care in Greater Syracuse led by Dr. Robert Weiss goes beyond hernia repair surgery, offering comprehensive general surgery services and leading-edge robotic procedures.

As a top choice for hernia surgery in the area, we want to help you understand when it’s time to worry about hernia pain and seek treatment.

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Understanding Hernia

Hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This can happen in various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, groin, or diaphragm. When this happens, it can cause discomfort and potentially lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

The level of pain experienced with a hernia can vary depending on the location and severity of the hernia. Some people may only feel a slight discomfort or pressure, while others may experience sharp or intense pain.

Types of Hernia

There are several types of hernias, each with their own unique symptoms and pain levels. Some common types include:

Inguinal Hernias: This type of hernia occurs in the groin area and is more common in men. Pain associated with an inguinal hernia may be felt in the lower abdomen, groin, or testicles.

Femoral Hernias: Similar to an inguinal hernia but less common. These affect more women than men and may cause pain in the groin or upper thigh.

Incisional Hernias: This type of hernia occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision and can cause pain or discomfort in the area.
Hiatal Hernias: These hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm. Pain may be felt in the chest or upper abdomen.

Common Symptoms of a Hernia

Hernia signs and symptoms can vary widely depending on its size and location. Typical symptoms include:

A bulge or lump in the groin or abdomen.
Pain, which may manifest as burning, aching, or discomfort, often exacerbated by coughing, straining, or lifting.
A pulling sensation around the lump or bulge.
In some cases, shooting hernia pain, vomiting, and constipation may occur.
Some hernias may be asymptomatic and not cause any physical discomfort.

Specific symptoms based on hernia type include:

An inguinal hernia may cause pain when exercising, coughing or bending over; discomfort, pressure or weakness in the groin; or a burning sensation on either side of the pubic bone.

In women, a femoral hernia may present with bulging, gurgling noises from within the groin area. In men, it can present as a soft lump in the groin area.

Incisional hernias may cause pain and a burning sensation around previous surgical incisions on your abdomen.

A hiatus hernia may manifest as chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and belching. When severe, symptoms such as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may develop.

When to Seek Treatment

If you experience any symptoms of a hernia, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While some hernias may not require immediate treatment, others can result in serious complications if left untreated.

The following signs indicate that it’s time to seek treatment for your hernia:

Intense or severe pain, especially if accompanied by vomiting or constipation. This could be a sign of a strangulated hernia, where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off and requires surgery.
A lump or bulge that becomes larger, more painful, or changes color.
Difficulty passing gas or having bowel movements.
Inability to push the hernia back in (reduce it).

In most cases, surgery is necessary to repair a hernia and prevent further complications. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of a successful and less invasive procedure.

How Syracuse Can Help

AtSyracuse Hernia Center led by Dr. Robert Weiss, we specialize in cutting-edge hernia repair procedures using the advanced Da Vinci robotic surgery system. Our approach provides precise and less invasive treatment options for a variety of hernias, ensuring exceptional patient outcomes.

Dr. Weiss and our team offer specialized hernia repair services, including:

Inguinal Hernia Repair: Expert surgical care for the most common type of hernia, aiming for minimal discomfort and quick recovery.
Ventral Hernia Repair: Tailored solutions for ventral hernias, focusing on the individual's well-being and long-term health.
Incisional Hernia Repair: Advanced techniques to treat incisional hernias, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Hernia Repair Revision Surgeries: Expert re-operative procedures for cases where previous hernia repair needs revision, focusing on precise correction and optimal outcomes.

Advanced Robotic Hernia Repair in Syracuse

Hernia pain and symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting daily activities and overall well-being. It's important to be aware of the signs and to understand when medical attention is necessary to avoid potential complications.

AtSyracuse Hernia Center, led by Dr. Robert Weiss, we offer advanced and personalized hernia repair options using the latest technology and techniques. Our goal is to provide effective treatment with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery, so you can get back to living your life without the burden of a hernia.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a hernia, don't wait for it to worsen.Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your treatment options and get back to living a pain-free life.