Hernia Prevention: Tips from an Aspirus Health Surgeon
June is Hernia Awareness Month
6/19/2023
Dr. Rachel Laszko, Aspirus General Surgeon.
If you've ever had a
hernia, you know you don't ever want one again. Fortunately, only a small
percentage of people who have had a hernia once will have a recurrence, reports
the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Hernias occur when an
organ such as your intestine or other tissue pushes through a weak area in the
muscles that surround it. This can create a visible, often painful, bulge in
your skin.
“Years of pressure or
exertion can wear the tissue down and make your body more susceptible to
developing a hernia,” says Rachel
Laszko, MD, Aspirus General Surgeon. “Hernias are not preventable. Taking
care of your body and being aware of your daily movements can go a long way in
reducing your risk.”
Some activities can
put increased strain on your abdominal wall and may lead to a hernia. According
to the ACS, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), National Library of Medicine (NLM) and National Institutes of Health
(NIH), here are the risk factors and ways to reduce them:
- Lifting heavy objects – Lift properly by
getting close to the object you intend to lift, bend at your knees (not waist)
and use your leg muscles to lift.
- Lack of muscle strength – Exercise regularly to
strengthen your abdominal muscles.
- Chronic constipation – Eat high-fiber foods,
such as whole grains, bran, and raw fruits and veggies to help minimize
constipation.
- Significant weight gain or obesity – Being
overweight puts extra pressure on your abdomen, increasing your risk of
developing a hernia.
- Sitting or standing for long periods – Take
breaks and stretch regularly to avoid putting too much pressure on your
abdomen.
- Chronic coughing or sneezing – Talk to your
provider if either persists.
- Smoking – Nicotine weakens the abdominal wall
and increases the risk of developing a hernia. Quit smoking as quickly as
possible.
- Pregnancy – As the belly grows, the pressure on
the abdominal wall increases. Watch out for a soft lump around the belly button
or groin area.
Most people will need
surgery to repair a hernia. The type of procedure will be determined by a
surgeon and depend on factors such as the size of the hernia, the patient’s
age, health and medical history.
In open hernia repair,
an incision is made near the site and the hernia is repaired with mesh or by
suturing the muscle closed. In laparoscopic hernia repair, mesh or sutures are
inserted through instruments placed into small incisions in the abdomen.
Watchful waiting, or
safely delaying surgery, may be an option for people who are not uncomfortable.
If you feel pain or discomfort in your abdomen, take it seriously and see your
health care provider. They will be able to determine the best treatment option
for you.
“Don’t wait to see
your health care provider about a hernia and assume it will be okay,” urges Dr.
Laszko. “It’s such a simple surgery to get it fixed, and since the potential
outcomes if you don’t have it fixed are so dangerous, it’s really worth talking
to your provider and seeing if you’re a good candidate for surgery.”
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