Hernia Surgery

Hernia Symptoms may include:

  • bulge/lump in the abdomen or groin
  • pain in the abdomen near the bulge
  • pain may be worse with lifting, coughing, urinating, and strenuous activity
  • bulge may change in size throughout the day


​Call the office immediately if you have:

  • excruciating pain at the site of the bulge
  • nausea/vomiting
  • bulge becomes red and tender to the touch

Click here for information about Royal Oak Surgical Associates management of hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hernias.

A hernia is a hole or gap in one of the layers of the abdomen, which allows tissue to bulge out, creating a lump or bulge.  Hernias can occur in many different areas, and often develop in naturally occurring weak areas within the abdominal wall such has the belly button, groin, and within previous surgical incisions. Belly button hernias are known as umbilical hernias and groin hernias are known as inguinal hernias. Umbilical and inguinal hernia repairs are commonly performed by our surgical team, as well as repairs of ventral hernias, epigastric hernias, and incisional hernias.


Intestine, organs, or other tissues from within the abdomen can squeeze through these weakened areas and cause a lump or bulge, as well as symptoms of pain and discomfort. The symptoms may first be noticed with increased activity or heavy lifting.  Patients may notice that the hernia bulge gets bigger and smaller throughout the day, depending on activity.  Some hernias may not even be visible while laying down, because the tissue goes back into the abdomen instead of bulging out through the hernia. 


Sometimes, the tissue going through the hernia gets trapped and may not be able to go back into the abdomen; this is known as an incarcerated hernia and sometimes requires urgent surgery for repair.


Once a hernia develops, it will not heal on its own, and surgery may be appropriate to manage the symptoms. Hernia surgeries are one of the most common procedures performed in the country.  Royal Oak Surgical Associates offers both open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic-assisted) options to fix hernias. Most hernia repairs involve the use of mesh, a sheet of synthetic material that makes the hernia repair stronger.  Decades of research has shown that hernias repaired with mesh are less likely to come back in the future.  Many hernia procedures are outpatient, meaning patients are able to go home on the day of surgery following a period of observation.


Additional Resources:

SAGES Ventral Hernia Repair Patient Information

SAGES Inguinal Hernia Repair Patient Information