Hernias happen when the muscular wall becomes so weak that your abdominal organs can push through it. They’re a common medical issue, but also one of the most misunderstood.
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or are trying to prevent one, it’s important to separate fact from fiction, especially if you’re considering or have had bariatric surgery, which can affect your abdominal wall.
Take a moment as board-certified general surgeon Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov debunks five myths about hernias.
Fact: Inguinal hernias (in the groin) are more common in men, but women can and do get hernias. According to a cross-sectional study published in the International Journal of Surgery, the male-to-female ratio is 6:1.
Still, the reality is that women do get hernias — especially umbilical, incisional, and femoral hernias. Women who’ve had children, abdominal surgeries, or who are overweight are also at increased risk.
Fact: While maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing a hernia or prevent an existing one from worsening, it won’t “fix” one that’s already developed.
In fact, studies show that people with obesity are significantly more likely to develop hernias due to increased pressure on their abdominal wall. Hernias occur at rates up to twice as high as in individuals with a healthy body mass index (BMI).
Once a hernia forms, surgery is the only way to repair the abdominal wall and close the opening.
Even if you don’t have a hernia, losing weight can help reduce your risk of developing one in the future.
Fact: Not necessarily.
Some hernias may not cause any pain or discomfort at first. You might notice a bulge when standing or straining, but no pain. However, pain can develop over time or signal a more serious issue like strangulation. Strangulation means that the hernia is cutting off the blood supply and requires emergency care.
Fact: Some small, asymptomatic hernias may be monitored, but most hernias get larger over time.
Delaying treatment increases your risk of complications, especially if the hernia becomes trapped (incarcerated) or cuts off blood supply to tissue (strangulated). Early repair is often safer and easier than waiting until it becomes incarcerated or strangulated.
Fact: Hernia repairs are often done using minimally invasive techniques. This approach reduces pain, scarring, and recovery time. Minimally invasive surgery tends to have a shorter and easier recovery than open surgery.
Dr. Botvinov uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopy, to repair the damage in your muscle wall with surgical mesh and reposition any protruding organs and tissue. He chooses the best surgical approach based on your health, hernia type, and medical history.
If you suspect you have a hernia or have been putting off treatment, don’t wait. As a bariatric surgery patient or someone on a weight loss journey, protecting your abdominal wall helps to support your recovery, comfort, and long-term success.
Even if you don’t currently have signs of a hernia but want to lose weight to reduce your risk of developing one in the future, we’ve got you covered. Dr. Botvinov offers comprehensive medical weight loss programs and bariatric surgery options to support your long-term health goals.
To schedule an appointment to learn more about your hernia repair options in Westwood, New Jersey, call us at 201-778-5344 to speak with our friendly team. You can also schedule an appointment online.
