If you’re suffering from a hernia, JMS surgeons could provide you with the relief you’re looking for.

If your symptoms are severe and interfere with your quality of life, fast-track your consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia develops when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area in adjacent muscle or connective tissue. While these weakened areas can be present at birth or can develop later in life, having pressure applied to them is generally what causes a hernia. Almost anything that can increase the pressure in the abdomen can cause a hernia. Some of these causes include:

• Lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles
• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Pregnancy

Hernias are classified by anatomical location. The most common types of hernias are:

Inguinal (inner groin) hernias – Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur in the lower abdomen, near the pubic area. About two-thirds of adult hernias fall into this category. These hernias occur when the bowel or abdominal tissues protrude into the inguinal canal in the groin. Most inguinal hernias occur in men because of a natural weakness in this area.

Femoral hernias – Femoral hernias appear just below the groin crease. Usually occurring in women, femoral hernias often develop because of pregnancy or childbirth. A weakness in the lower groin allows an intestinal sac to drop into the femoral canal, the space near the femoral artery. Women who are overweight are also prone to this type of hernia, but men can also develop a femoral hernia as well. This type of hernia has a high risk of strangulation (cutting off blood supply), so immediate repair is strongly recommended.

Incisional hernia – After abdominal surgery, sometimes the intestine may push through the scar in the abdominal wall and result in an incisional hernia. These hernias may occur weeks, months or even years after the surgical procedure. If you think you may have an incisional hernia, seeing your doctor immediately is vital because the hernia can worsen and become quite difficult to repair. Although incisional hernias are not as common as groin hernias, they occur more often in elderly or overweight individuals. These two groups of people tend to be more inactive after abdominal surgery and are more prone to incisional hernias.

Umbilical (navel) hernias – Umbilical hernias are common in newborns because of the blood vessels around the umbilical cord create a natural weakness in the navel area. Sometimes, these hernias resolve themselves around the age of three or four. Men, women and children may develop an umbilical hernia because of coughing, pregnancy or excess weight. These factors may cause some of the intestine to protrude through the abdominal wall near the navel. Women who have had multiple children or are overweight are also prone to umbilical hernias.

Hiatal (upper stomach) hernias – Hiatal hernias are different from other types of hernias because they occur in the upper abdomen. Hiatal hernias occur when the upper stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. This can cause acid reflux from the stomach, possibly leading to heartburn and erosion of the esophagus. Hiatal hernias may require surgery and often necessitate a longer hospital stay.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Hernia?

Because there are many types of hernias, you may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may be gradual or sudden and can be painless or quite painful. Some warning signs and symptoms of a hernia could include:

• Pain when lifting, coughing or straining
• A bulge in the abdomen, groin or scrotum that is visible when you cough but that disappears when you lie down
• The sensation that something has ruptured
• Pressure, weakness, burning or pain in the abdomen

How is a Hernia Treated?

• Using tension repair, the surgeon makes an incision at the hernia site and manipulates the protruding tissue into its proper position. Stitches place tension on each side of the defect in order to keep it closed.
• Tension-free repair is the most common hernia repair technique. Instead of sewing the two sides of the incision together, the surgeon will use a piece of mesh to connect the hernia defect.
• Laparoscopic tension-free repair uses small incisions and an endoscope to place tissues in proper position. This method is known as posterior hernia repair because the procedure is done behind the abdominal wall. The surgeon uses a piece of mesh to support the weakened area.

The JMS General Surgeons

Our board-certified general surgeons have extensive experience in hernia repair surgery. They use the most advanced technology and techniques in hernia surgery, including minimally invasive laparoscopic repairs.

• BARRY M. MISKIN, MD, FACS
  • Miskin has been practicing in Palm Beach County for over 25 years. His clinical expertise includes general surgery with an emphasis on robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery; this minimally invasive approach allows patients rapid recovery time.
• JEFFERSON VAUGHAN, MD, FACS
  • Vaughan started and led a team through the successful accreditation of the Bariatric Program at Jupiter Medical Center. In addition to his extensive background in weight loss surgery, he performs advanced laparoscopic general surgery, including heartburn and stomach surgery among others.
• RONALD ZELNICK, MD, FACS, FASCRS
  • Zelnick has practiced for more than 25 years. Board certified in general, colon and rectal surgery, he completed his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. Dr. Zelnick has received numerous accolades, including recognition for his outstanding efforts in colorectal cancer awareness from the American Cancer Society.

Fast-Track Your Consultation

We are here to answer your questions and help you avoid delays in your path to treatment. Both in-person and telehealth consultations are available. Simply fill out the form or call us to begin moving forward with your care.