Let’s Take Care of That Hernia Before Summer Sets In

Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions Blog Let’s Take Care of That Hernia Before Summer Sets In
Let’s Take Care of That Hernia Before Summer Sets In

Summer has a way of sneaking up fast. One minute you’re layering up to deal with fickle spring weather, and the next you’re thinking about travel, yard work, and beach days.

The last thing you need to derail your summer plans is a hernia.

If you’ve noticed a bulge in your abdomen or groin, or a nagging discomfort that gets worse when you lift, cough, or stand for long periods, it might be a hernia, and waiting it out isn’t the move.

Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov encourages you to visit here in Westwood, New Jersey, if you suspect you have a hernia.

In the meantime, read on to learn how the Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions team can take care of your hernia before summer sets in.  

What exactly is a hernia?

A hernia develops if there’s a weak spot in your muscle wall that allows internal tissue or part of an organ to push through. This often creates a visible bulge and can cause discomfort, especially with activity.

Dr. Botvinov diagnosed and treats several types of hernias, including:

Some hernias are painless at first, but they don’t stay that way forever.

Why hernias tend to get worse over time

Unfortunately, hernias don’t heal on their own.

That weak spot in the muscle doesn’t “tighten back up.” In fact, over time and under pressure from everyday activities, such as lifting, straining, or even coughing, the hernia can gradually get larger.

And as it grows, so does the risk of complications.

Don’t ignore the warning signs

You might notice:

More serious symptoms, like sudden pain, nausea, or a bulge that won’t go back in, can signal a complication called an incarcerated hernia. This means the tissue is trapped inside the hernia and can’t be pushed back in. 

This can lead to life-threatening complications called a strangulated hernia that needs immediate attention. This happens if the blood supply gets cut off to the intestine inside the hernia, and can cause tissue death.

3 reasons to get your hernia taken care of before summer

Putting off treatment might seem easier in the short term, but it can limit your plans later.

Taking care of your hernia now can help you:

Taking care of your hernia now is all about being proactive, so you’re not sidelined when you want to be out living your life.

What treatment looks like

At Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C., Dr. Botvinov starts with a thorough evaluation to determine the type and severity of your hernia.

In some cases, if symptoms are minimal, a short period of monitoring may be appropriate, but for hernias that cause pain, interfere with daily life, or show signs of progression, he may recommend surgical repair.

The good news? Most hernia repairs are minimally invasive. Using advanced techniques like laparoscopy, Dr. Botvinov can:

Most people go home the same day and are back to light activities relatively quickly. Because laparoscopy only requires three to four small incisions, your recovery is much faster than compared to a traditional open surgery.

Regardless, our team will provide specific guidance on when you can safely return to full activity.

Two weeks after your surgery, you return to our office for a follow-up with Dr. Botinvbov. 

Start summer with your hernia repair behind you

A hernia might not seem like a big deal right now, but it can become one if left untreated. To learn more about your treatment options or to schedule a consultation, book an appointment online today.

You can also reach us at 201-731-6919.

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