Hernias After Surgery: Do Incisional Hernias Heal on Their Own?

An incisional hernia develops at or near an incision site after surgery. This type of hernia occurs in approximately 15% of patients and it’s more likely to occur after an emergency surgery that requires a large incision. If the edges of the incision aren’t properly aligned – or if your muscles that have been cut […]

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Abdominal Hernias: Types, Causes and Treatment

An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or other piece of tissue protrudes through layers of weakened muscles or tissues in the abdominal wall, usually in the groin, diaphragm or belly button. Abdominal hernias are common, but typically require hernia repair surgery because most don’t heal on their own. What are the different types of […]

What is the best treatment for an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is when a portion of the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall near the belly button. While this type of hernia is most common in infants, it can affect adults as well. What are the symptoms of an umbilical hernia? A common sign of an umbilical hernia is a lump in or […]

Do I have a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia is present when the stomach pushes into the chest cavity from the abdominal compartment, through a natural opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a thin muscle that moves each time we breathe.  Hiatal hernias range in size from a tiny one of no importance to a large one where the entire […]

Living with a Hernia

Do you have a nagging ache in your belly or groin that you think maybe a hernia? Don’t ignore it. While it may be causing only slight discomfort now, hernias do not go away on their own. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you think you may have a hernia. […]

The Best Hernia Repair is the First Hernia Repair

If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, you’ll most likely need surgery to successfully treat it. Fortunately, hernia repair surgery is common, but it’s very important to choose a surgeon who specializes in hernia repairs to help to minimize the risk of recurrence, infection and complications. Research shows that as many as 30% of patients […]

Do I need hernia surgery? 3 signs it’s time to see a doctor

If you suspect you have a hernia, your first plan of action should be to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Hernias will not go away on their own, so it is important to meet with a trained physician or hernia specialist who can evaluate your case and help develop a treatment plan specific to […]

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Hernias 101: What They Are, How They Happen & How to Prevent Them

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a hernia and are not sure what caused it? The hernia specialists at the Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) about what causes hernias, what factors put you at higher risk of developing one, how to prevent them, and next steps for hernia repair.  […]

Questions to Ask Before Hernia Surgery

It’s natural to have questions before a surgical procedure, regardless of the type of surgery you’re facing. Being a well-informed patient will not only help you prepare for surgery, but you’ll feel more at ease with the procedure and the recovery that follows. When facing hernia repair surgery, there are important questions you should consider […]

Choosing the right surgeon can help you avoid hernia recurrence and other complications

Most people who are diagnosed with a hernia will need surgery to successfully treat it. Fortunately, hernia repair surgery is common and usually successful, but it’s important to choose a surgeon who specializes in hernia repairs to help avoid recurrence and other complications. Research shows that as many as 30% of patients will experience a […]

If I leave it alone, will my hernia heal on its own?

That’s one of the most common questions doctors hear when it comes to hernias. Unfortunately, the answer is no. While a hernia cannot heal itself, it can almost always be treated effectively with surgery. If left untreated, however, a hernia can cause serious complications, such as a bowel obstruction (resulting in severe pain, nausea or […]

Is my groin pain caused by a hernia?

Are you dealing with nagging pain in the groin area? Not sure if you’ve just strained a muscle or if it’s a sign of a bigger health issue? Experiencing groin pain is very common in people with hernias – especially inguinal hernias, which are also known as groin hernias. Hernias affect millions of people each […]

Is Hernia Surgery Painful?

If you have pain or discomfort in the groin or abdomen, especially when you are bending over, coughing or lifting weights, you may have a hernia. These uncomfortable hernia symptoms can negatively affect your life. Take the first step towards healing and consult a doctor about your surgical options. As with many surgical procedures, you […]

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Can I self-diagnose a hernia?

I think I have a hernia. Can I self-diagnose?  Do you have an ache in your belly or groin that you think may be a hernia? Unfortunately, hernias often cause pain or discomfort and do not go away on their own.   A hernia occurs when the contents inside the abdomen bulge outward. While there are a […]

How to Prevent a Hernia

A hernia is a common medical condition that affects more than 700,000 Americans each year. It can occur when tissue from inside the body bulges through the wall of muscle where it lives. Generally, hernias appear in the abdomen or groin and bulge out through the belly button area, abdomen, or along incision sites from […]

Doctor talking about hernia repairs using mesh

Importance of using mesh in hernia repair surgery

Hernia mesh, also known as surgical mesh, is a medical device used to support damaged tissue around a hernia while it heals. During hernia surgery, the hernia mesh is placed across the damaged area in the upper stomach, abdomen or groin and attached with sutures. The pores in the mesh allow tissue to grow into the device. The […]

VIDEO: So You Have a Hernia, What’s Next?

Hernias are a widespread issue, and NGPG general surgeon, Dr. Ronald Lewis is fully equipped to treat this problem. Hernias are a defect in the abdominal wall that can cause organs to protrude, be left untreated, and choke off the organ’s blood supply. It is crucial to get them checked out by a physician. While the treatment […]