Hernia surgery

Treatment for inguinal, femoral and other hernias in Columbus, NE

Do you have a bulge and aching feeling in your abdomen that just won’t go away? You may have a hernia, which is a very common — and painful — condition. Researchers estimate that 27% of men and 3% of women will develop an inguinal hernia — the most common type — at some point in their lives. At Columbus General Surgery, our surgeons have repaired thousands of hernias, and they take extra care to make sure you have minimum discomfort and a quick return to your everyday activities.

There are many different types of hernias, including:

• Inguinal – An inguinal hernia is when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. It can be painful when you cough, lift a heavy object or bend over.
• Femoral – A femoral hernia is when fatty tissue or part of your bowel pushes through the upper part of your thigh, near your groin.
• Umbilical – An umbilical hernia can occur in both infants and adults, when part of the intestine pushes through the umbilical ring. Many umbilical hernias close on their own in children, but they may require surgery if they do not go away or become strangulated (trapped in the abdominal opening).
• Incisional – An incisional hernia occurs when a mound of tissue forms at the point of a surgical incision and starts pushing through the incision. People who have had abdominal surgery are especially susceptible to an incisional hernia three to six months after the procedure.
• Hiatal – With a hiatal hernia, the upper part of your stomach pushes through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest. You may not need treatment for a small hiatal hernia, but a large one can cause heartburn, and a very large hiatal hernia may require surgery.

When you come to Columbus General Surgery, your doctor will first perform a physical examination. Often, this is all he needs to make a diagnosis, but if necessary, he will order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

In some cases, your doctor will recommend watchful waiting, but in others, surgery may be necessary. The surgeons at Columbus General Surgery perform two types of hernia surgeries: open and minimally invasive. They will determine which type of surgery is best depending on the specific patient’s needs.

To make an appointment or learn more about hernia treatment at Columbus General Surgery, call 402-562-4770.