Hernia which doctor

Did you feel a pop or a tear when straining or lifting something heavy, and now suspect you have a hernia? You are not alone. Hernias are very common and doctors see them all the time. Some people feel embarrassed by their condition and avoid seeking medical care. Unfortunately, hernias do not go away on their own. Instead of ignoring the issue, it is better to consult a trained health care provider to confirm the problem and discuss your options. Sometimes, hernias are asymptomatic. If that is the case, you would want to contact your doctor if you notice a sudden change in your symptoms e.

At NYU Langone, our surgeons are experts in procedures to correct hernia in adults. They can perform open surgical, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques to return the protruding part to the abdomen. Sometimes, our surgeons recommend watchful waiting for an adult with a hernia. If necessary, one of our experienced surgeons can perform surgery to correct the hernia. Our doctors usually reinforce the weakened muscle with a mesh material, which can prevent the hernia from recurring.

We can help you find a doctor. Call or browse our specialists. If you need help accessing our website, call Skip to main content. Our Approach to Treating Hernia in Adults. Pediatric experts at NYU Langone also diagnose and manage hernias in children.

Treatment for Hernia in Adults Sometimes, our surgeons recommend watchful waiting for an adult with a hernia. Watchful Waiting for Hernia in Adults. Surgery for Hernia in Adults. All types of hernia in adults can be successfully repaired with surgery. Our Research and Education in Hernia in Adults Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities. Surgery Research Surgery Training.

Find a Doctor and Schedule. Sophie M. Balzora , MD. Howard G. Liang , MD. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain. If the diagnosis isn't readily apparent, your doctor might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. If your hernia is small and isn't bothering you, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting.

Sometimes, wearing a supportive truss may help relieve symptoms, but check with your doctor first because it's important that the truss fits properly, and is being used appropriately. In children, the doctor might try applying manual pressure to reduce the bulge before considering surgery. Enlarging or painful hernias usually require surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications.

There are two general types of hernia operations — open hernia repair and minimally invasive hernia repair. In this procedure, which might be done with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and pushes the protruding tissue back into your abdomen.

The surgeon then sews the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh hernioplasty. The opening is then closed with stitches, staples or surgical glue. After the surgery, you'll be encouraged to move about as soon as possible, but it might be several weeks before you're able to resume normal activities. In this procedure requiring general anesthesia, the surgeon operates through several small incisions in your abdomen.

The surgeon may use laparoscopic or robotic instruments to repair your hernia. Gas is used to inflate your abdomen to make the internal organs easier to see. A small tube equipped with a tiny camera laparoscope is inserted into one incision. Guided by the camera, the surgeon inserts tiny instruments through other small incisions to repair the hernia using synthetic mesh. People who have a minimally invasive repair might have less discomfort and scarring after surgery and a quicker return to normal activities.

Long-term results of laparoscopic and open hernia surgeries are comparable. Minimally invasive hernia surgery allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia repair, so it might be a good choice for people whose hernias recur after open hernia surgery. It also might be a good choice for people with hernias on both sides of the body bilateral.

As with open surgery, it may be a few weeks before you can get back to your usual activity level.