Types of Hernias
The intestine may push through a weakening in the abdominal wall, sometimes at the site of a previous surgery. It’s not uncommon to have multiple or recurrent hernias in a single person with a propensity for weak abdominal walls. Learn More
Seen more in men than women, the most common hernias develop in the abdominal region – many times along the inguinal canal which is in the groin region. In women, this hernia may occur near the femoral artery in the upper thigh area and the rate of strangulation in femoral hernias is high. Learn More
Also known as a Paraesophageal Hernia – The upper part of the stomach will herniate through an opening in the diaphragm, and push up into the chest next to the esophagus. This condition can cause chest or stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, severe indigestion, nausea and other gastric symptoms. Learn More
This is the most common surgery among children. Part of the intestine will protrude through an abnormal opening at the site of the umbilical cord passing through the abdominal wall. Another common pediatric hernia presents as a bulge in the groin. Learn More
There are many variations of hernias where the conditions of an organ or tissue push through weak muscle walls at various places in the body. Any unusual bulge, pain or general concern should be discussed with your physician.
WHAT CAUSES A HERNIA?
A hernia is a protrusion of tissue, organ or fat through an abnormal fissure or opening in the muscles of the abdominal wall. A hernia may develop in the groin area, around the navel or at the previous site of a surgery. Some hernias develop in the diaphragm, causing painful gastroesophageal reflux.
Millions in the U.S. suffer from hernias, yet they don’t seek treatments due to a fear of surgery or concern over a painful and time consuming recovery. Yet, treatments for typical hernias utilize common procedures in outpatient clinics and most patients return to their normal routine within days. Pain management is always a priority and most patients report comfortable recoveries with little medication.
A hernia will not repair itself in spite of attempts to lose weight, increase exercise or incorporate medication. Some people choose wear a hernia belt to alleviate pain, but this is not a permanent solution. Without treatment, a hernia can be uncomfortable or painful, present unsightly bulges and even pose life threatening conditions.
A hernia may become strangulated, cut off blood supply to tissue and present a medical emergency. For example, a strangulated hernia can pose risks for permanent damage to the testicle if treatment is not administered. And, an incarcerated abdominal hernia may require emergency surgery. Therefore, it’s best to have any hernia diagnosed by an expert to determine the best course of treatment.
BEND HERNIA CENTER | MICHAEL J. MASTRANGELO, MD, FACS
After your examination and consultation, Dr. Michael Mastrangelo will work with you to determine the best solution for your hernia management or repair. When appropriate, he prefers a conservative approach to treatment, offering non-surgical solutions. However, if surgery is required, his advanced training and expertise offers you the most advanced and safe surgical care available in the Central Oregon region.
Bend Hernia Center considers the entire person and patient’s lifestyle when choosing a treatment plan, offering a personalized approach to hernia repair. The medical team at BHC has one goal…to provide the highest quality care and increase your quality of life so that you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
Dr. Mastrangelo is the only surgeon in Central Oregon who is fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic and minimally-invasive surgery, and focused exclusively on hernia repair, offering laparoscopy, endoscopy and robotic surgery.
