What is Hernia

Hernia happens when tissue inside your body pushes out through a weak spot in your belly muscles (abdominal wall). This makes a round lump (bulge). The lump may be:

• In a scar from surgery that was done in your belly (incisional hernia).
• Near your belly button (umbilical hernia).
• In your groin (inguinal hernia). Your groin is the area where your leg meets your lower belly (abdomen). This kind of hernia could also be:
  • In your scrotum, if you are male.
  • In folds of skin around your vagina, if you are female.
• In your upper thigh (femoral hernia).
• Inside your belly (hiatal hernia). This happens when your stomach slides above the muscle between your belly and your chest (diaphragm).

If your hernia is small and it does not cause pain, you may not need treatment. If your hernia is large or it causes pain, you may need surgery.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

• Avoid stretching or overusing (straining) the muscles near your hernia. Straining can happen when you:
  • Lift something heavy.
  • Poop (have a bowel movement).
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg), or the limit that you are told, until your doctor says that it is safe.
• Use the strength of your legs when you lift something heavy. Do not use only your back muscles to lift.

General instructions

• Do these things if told by your doctor so you do not have trouble pooping (constipation):
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars. These include foods that are fried or sweet.
  • Take medicine for trouble pooping.
• When you cough, try to cough gently.
• You may try to push your hernia in by very gently pressing on it when you are lying down. Do not try to force the bulge back in if it will not push in easily.
• If you are overweight, work with your doctor to lose weight safely.
• Do not use any products that have nicotine or tobacco in them. These include cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• If you will be having surgery (hernia repair), watch your hernia for changes in shape, size, or color. Tell your doctor if you see any changes.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor.

Contact a doctor if:

• You get new pain, swelling, or redness near your hernia.
• You poop fewer times in a week than normal.
• You have trouble pooping.
• You have poop (stool) that is more dry than normal.
• You have poop that is harder or larger than normal.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever.
• You have belly pain that gets worse.
• You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• You throw up (vomit).
• Your hernia cannot be pushed in by very gently pressing on it when you are lying down. Do not try to force the bulge back in if it will not push in easily.
• Your hernia:
  • Changes in shape or size.
  • Changes color.
  • Feels hard or it hurts when you touch it.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services.

Summary

• A hernia happens when tissue inside your body pushes out through a weak spot in the belly muscles. This creates a bulge.
• If your hernia is small and it does not hurt, you may not need treatment. If your hernia is large or it hurts, you may need surgery.
• If you will be having surgery, watch your hernia for changes in shape, size, or color. Tell your doctor about any changes.