FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM JANUARY 3, 2019 • HEALTH • THE QUEENS COURIER 31
Congregation
Etz Chaim
of Kew Gardens Hills
Lecture
Series
In its 7th year
NAVIGATING
THE MEDICAL SYSTEM
OPTICAL
What You Should Know About Hernias
By: Dr. Noman Khan
A hernia is an extremely common issue diagnosed in men
and women. Hernias occur when abdominal tissue or
organs protrude through an area of weakness in the
surrounding muscle or through connective tissue called
fascia. The four main types of hernias are inguinal,
umbilical, incisional and hiatal.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type, especially in
men. They develop as a result of a weakness in the inguinal
or groin area and may worsen or grow bigger over time.
Abdominal contents such as the intestine, bladder or fatty
tissue can then protrude through this area and cause a
lump. This lump may form near the groin; or in males, in
the scrotum. Patients with inguinal hernias often feel pain
or discomfort when bearing down or lifting something
heavy.
If left untreated, inguinal hernias can lead to
life-threatening complications. Surgical repair is usually
required for these types of hernias especially when
abdominal contents become incarcerated (trapped in the
abdominal wall). If the contents of the hernia that become
stuck are intestines, they can get cut off from having a
normal blood supply which can result in rupture and a
serious infection. Signs and symptoms of an incarcerated
hernia may include nausea, vomiting, fever or pain.
Immediate medical attention should be received if any of
these symptoms are present.
Umbilical hernias are sometimes congenital, meaning you
are born with them. This condition is most common in
babies but can affect adults as well. Often times if you feel
deep within the belly button of someone with an umbilical
hernia you may feel a hole or defect in the connective
tissue. Fat can become stuck in this area; however, in
larger umbilical hernias, part of the intestine may also
become lodged in the defect. As with inguinal hernias,
treatment may involve surgery. Patients with umbilical
hernias should seek emergency medical care if there is
swelling, tenderness or discoloration at the hernia site; or if
symptoms such as vomiting and pain develop.
Incisional hernias occur at the sites where incisions were
made, usually for a previous surgery. This type of hernia can
become extremely large and limit the patient’s activity.
Some people are more at risk for developing incisional
hernias than others, they include: those who have had
emergency surgery, are elderly, overweight, smoke or are
diabetic. Repairing an incisional hernia is complex.
Complications and recurrence are common as complexity
increases; therefore, it is recommended that a surgeon with
a high level of experience perform the procedure.
A hiatal hernia develops when part of your stomach or
other organs protrude into your chest cavity due to a
weakness or gap in your diaphragm (The muscle that
separates your abdomen from your chest and helps you
breathe). When this happens, the stomach can partially or
totally be in your chest which may cause reflux (heartburn)
as well as many other symptoms. In some cases, the
stomach is in danger of getting stuck or twisting, which is
dangerous. These hernias can be diagnosed via endoscopy
or CT scan. If treatment is required, medication or surgery
is often recommended.
Hernias vary widely in location, types and severity. An expert
consultation with one of Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s
specialized hernia surgeons can help you decide if surgery
is right for you. We offer a wide range of repair options
including laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive
techniques. No hernia is too complex or difficult to repair in
patients who are good candidates. To schedule an
appointment with one of our surgical specialists, please call
718-670-3135.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU:
NUTRITION & BARIATRIC HEALTH
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019 at 7:30 P.M.
JOEL RICCI GORBEA, MD, FACS
MINIMALLY INVASIVE, BARIATRIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY, NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN QUEENS
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL SURGERY, WEILL CORNELL MEDICINE
MIAN CATALANO CONDE, MA, RD, CDN,CBC
REGISTERED DIETICIAN, NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN QUEENS
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