Common signs of a hernia
Protruding Bulge or Lump
The most common symptom of a hernia is a protruding bulge or lump that may or may not be painful. The general location of the bulge will indicate the type of hernia present.
- Femoral hernias appear in the groin or upper part of the thigh.
- Inguinal hernias occur near the groin or can present with a bulge or mass in the scrotum.
- Incisional hernias develop near the site of a prior abdominal surgery.
- Ventral hernias appear at the midline of the abdomen.
- Epigastric hernias develop in the upper, central part of the abdomen.
- Hiatal hernias do not typically result in a visible bulge.
- Spigelian hernias appear in the abdominal area but not along the midline.
- Umbilical hernias occur near the naval.
The bulge may be visible at all times, or it may come and go depending on the patient’s activity. For example, some bulges reduce when the patient lies down, while activity that increases pressure in the abdomen, such as exercising, standing or straining, will cause the bulge to become more apparent.
Pain
Another common hernia symptom is pain or discomfort. In some cases, patients may experience immediate and severe pain due to a sudden tearing or stretching of the muscle tissue. This type of pain will usually subside within one to two weeks. However, it is important to note that the absence of pain doesn’t mean the hernia has gone away. Hernias do not repair themselves, and surgery is required to fully treat the condition.
In other cases, patients may experience localized pain that is more severe when lifting heavy objects, exercising, performing strenuous work or standing for prolonged periods of time. This type of pain occurs because the surrounding nerves become pinched or stretched as the hernia enlarges due to increased abdominal pressure.
Additionally, some patients experience referred pain, which occurs when the nerves surrounding the hernia become irritated and the pain signals travel along the nerve root to other areas of the body. For example, an inguinal hernia in the groin may lead to referred pain in a man’s scrotum or a woman’s labia. In other cases, the pain may travel to the thigh, back, upper leg, or other areas of the abdomen.
Signs of a Strangulated Hernia
A strangulated hernia is a rare and life-threatening complication associated with untreated hernias. It is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt surgery to prevent fatal consequences. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
Strangulation occurs when a portion of the intestine becomes trapped within the hernia. This leads to a compromised blood supply, which can cause the organ tissues to die. Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting and severe pain, as well as a protruding bulge that cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity when the patient pushes down on it.
Consultation process
If you suspect you have a hernia, or you have a protruding bulge near the groin or abdomen, it is important to seek immediate evaluation at the Los Angeles Hernia Center. Untreated hernias can lead to irreversible damage and the development of life-threatening complications, so time is of the essence. During your initial appointment, our team of surgeons will evaluate your symptoms and provide a definitive diagnosis. From there, we will compose a custom surgical plan to repair your hernia and prevent a recurrence using the most comfortable and minimally invasive techniques available. With years of experience and countless successful procedures, our surgeons have developed a reputation for delivering among the best hernia surgery Los Angeles has to offer.
Contact us todayOur facility
We specialize in performing complete hernia surgery and repair, using the latest and most minimally invasive techniques available. Moreover, our staff is comprised of world-class hernia experts, all of whom are leaders in their field and committed to providing our patients with the best hernia repair Los Angeles has to offer.
All procedures are performed in our surgical care center, which is a private alternative to a hospital setting. Because hernia repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, hospitalization simply is not necessary. As such, many patients prefer to undergo treatment in our state-of-the-art facility, which offers an added level of privacy, convenience, and comfort.
Learn more