In most cases, your doctor will refer you to a general surgeon for a surgery evaluation. A general surgeon is trained to provide surgical care for most of the body, including the gastrointestinal track, the abdomen and its contents, breast, skin and soft tissue, and endocrine system.
Is hernia related to gastroenterologist?
It is not uncommon for a gastroenterologist to find a hernia while investigating the cause of heartburn, abdominal pain, or other symptoms. Some diagnostic tools they may use include x-rays or upper endoscopy.
Can a gastroenterologist fix a hiatal hernia?
In some cases, a hiatal hernia (or a type of hiatal hernia called paraesophageal hernia) may be to blame. Once the cause is diagnosed, your gastroenterologist may recommend a minimally invasive treatment to give you relief.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
Seek immediate medical attention if there are signs that your hernia has become stuck or strangulated, which can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency surgery. Signs of this condition include: A hernia bulge that is suddenly larger than before.
What type of doctor is best for hernia surgery Related Questions
Is hernia repair a high risk surgery?
Overall, the risk for complications in inguinal hernia repair is low (2.9–8%).
Can a doctor fix a hernia without surgery?
Small and asymptomatic hernias can be treated without surgery if they pose no further risk of incarceration. At the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, our expert gastroenterologists have extensive experience in treating hernias without surgery as well as with surgical treatment for hernias of all kinds.
How long can you wait to have hernia surgery?
Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don’t have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don’t bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.
Can a hernia cause gastro problems?
Because a hernia is often created by a portion of the small intestine pressing through the abdominal wall, it can negatively affect the digestive system. By constricting the small intestine, a hernia can cause constipation and other digestive problems.
What organ is affected by hernia?
A: Your abdomen is covered in layers of muscle and strong tissue that help you move and protect internal organs. A hernia is a gap in this muscular wall that allows the contents inside the abdomen to protrude outward. There are different types of hernias, but the most common hernias occur in the belly or groin areas.
Can a hernia be fixed with endoscopy?
Finally, flexible endoscopy is indispensable in the management of both early and late complications resulting from upper gastrointestinal surgery, especially hiatal hernia repairs and antireflux surgery.
When should I be worried about hernia pain?
Seek immediate care if a hernia bulge turns red, purple or dark or if you notice any other signs or symptoms of a strangulated hernia. See your doctor if you have a painful or noticeable bulge in your groin on either side of your pubic bone.
Do gastroenterologists treat GERD?
If your symptoms suggest you have GERD, your doctor may recommend treatment with medicines and lifestyle changes, instead of doing tests. Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat GERD.
What happens if you avoid hernia surgery?
As hernias get bigger, they become more susceptible to incarceration and strangulation. The latter usually involves blood being stopped from flowing freely to the tissue, which can lead to tissue death and gangrene.
What happens if you don’t get hernia surgery?
While it may not be causing trouble now, it is very likely that it could lead to more serious complications later if it is not repaired. One of those complications is strangulation. This occurs when the bulging tissue is squeezed by the muscle wall. As a result, the blood supply is cut off and the tissue begins to die.
What type of hernia does not need surgery?
Recommended. You may be able to wait to have surgery if: Your hernia goes away when you lie down, or you can push it back into your belly. This is called a reducible hernia.
What is the safest hernia repair?
Surgical mesh use in hernia repair is considered safe and effective for most patients. Since the main goal of hernia repair surgery is to repair your hernia and prevent hernia recurrence, surgical mesh is often the most helpful tool in ensuring your surgery is a success.
Is hernia surgery minor or major surgery?
Repairing a hernia is major surgery. And like so many other types of surgery, hernia repairs have gotten much better for patients over the years, says Leon Clarke, MD, a general surgeon at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.
How long is bed rest after hernia surgery?
Fullington perform (for inguinal, umbilical, and small incisional hernias) is about 2 weeks. Many patients feel well enough to perform normal daily activities – including driving and return to work – after only a couple of days, but we restrict patient activity for 2 weeks to allow for adequate healing.
Can hernia be treated with herbal medicine?
Ashwagandha: Inguinal hernia treatment may be aided by the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. In addition to this advantage, it aids in strengthening the abdominal muscles, which can help with future hernia prevention.
Can I live with a hernia?
Absolutely Yes! If your hernia is not causing pain or discomfort – it is possible to live with your hernia. One must remember that there is a risk of an emergency (incarceration or strangulation) from any hernia. A painless hernia typically (but not always) will start causing discomfort prior to an emergency.