Hernia Specialist
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Y. H. Salem, MD, FACS
Acid Reflux and General Surgeon & Varicose Vein Specialist located in Huntington Beach, CA & Anaheim, CA
Hernias can be painful and may lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Experienced general surgeon Dr. Y.H. Salem diagnoses and treats various hernias to restore your health so that you can resume normal day-to-day activities without discomfort. Call Dr. Salem’s offices, located in Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim, California, to learn more or book an appointment online today.
Hernia
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a bulge of tissue that pushes through a weak wall of muscle that usually holds the tissue in place. Various types of hernias can happen, but abdominal hernias are the most common in the groin or belly regions. Examples of different hernias include:
- Inguinal hernias (in the groin area)
- Umbilical hernias (near the belly button; common in infants)
- Femoral hernias (near the groin or thigh)
- Hiatal hernias (near the diaphragm in your stomach)
- Incisional hernias (through a scar)
- Epigastric hernias (between your belly button and sternum)
You’re at risk for developing a hernia if you have muscle weakness, are straining hard, are pregnant, or lift something heavy.
What are the symptoms of developing hernias?
If you have a hernia, you may experience the following symptoms:
- A soft lump in your belly or groin area
- A lump that goes away when you lie down or press on it
- Pain in the herniated area, especially when you lift something heavy, bend over, or a cough
- Swelling or discoloration near the herniated area
- Vomiting
- Heartburn (for hiatal hernias)
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, contact Dr. Salem to find out if you have a hernia.
How are hernias treated?
If you have symptoms of a hernia, Dr. Salem goes over your medical history and completes a thorough physical examination. He may order imaging tests (CT scans, for example) as needed to make a diagnosis. Dr. Salem recommends an appropriate treatment based on the type of hernias you have:
Hiatal hernia treatment
Dr. Salem doesn't always require treatment if you have a hiatal hernia, but if you have symptoms (acid reflux, for example), Dr. Salem may recommend medication or surgery.
Hiatal hernia surgery involves making your diaphragm opening smaller and reconstructing other parts of the affected area. You’ll be asleep during the procedure, and it’s generally a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
Abdominal wall hernia treatment
Sometimes umbilical hernias close on their own, but if they don’t, or you have another type of abdominal wall hernia, Dr. Salem may recommend open or laparoscopic surgery.
He’ll make a small incision near the site of your hernia to repair the tissue. He may insert mesh during surgery to strengthen your abdominal muscle wall.
When you’re ready to ease the pain and reduce health risks associated with hernias, call Dr. Salem to learn more or book your appointment online today.
