Understanding your treatment options is the first step to recovery
As a patient, you have multiple treatment options. Learn more about your mesh options so that you can discuss them with your physician.
In addition to your mesh options, you should also discuss surgical approach options with your doctor.
Hernias will not heal on their own. Surgery is required to repair a hernia.
Learn more about surgical options.
Hernias can be complex.
Learning more doesn't have to be.
With today's technology, there are more options than ever to repair your hernia. Take control of your care by understanding your treatment options and working with your surgeon to determine what is best for you.
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You have questions, we have answers
Mesh Options
Surgery Options
Post Surgery
Patient Questions
What is a Hernia?
Hernias are very common. Each year roughly 5 million Americans experience a hernia, and over one million hernia repair surgeries are performed. ¹ ² Understanding what is actually happening in the body and your treatment options can help you make decisions for your hernia care.
A hernia occurs when internal organs or tissue break through a layer of muscle or tissues that are meant to contain them. This occurs as a result of a weak spot forming in the containing muscle or tissue, which can be caused by a number of common factors.
People who have a hernia typically notice swelling or a bulge at the site of the hernia. Hernias can develop in a number of different regions of the body, including the belly area, groin, chest, and sites of previous surgical incisions. ¹ ²
Potential causes and risk factors for hernias
Anything that may lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure or the weakening of abdominal muscles can lead to a hernia.
Some of the most common risk factors are:
Family History of Hernia:³
Some people have a genetic predisposition for weaker connective tissue than the general population, leading to a higher likelihood of hernia development.
Male Sex:⁴
Approximately 25% of all males will develop an inguinal hernia during their lifetimes, compared to 2% of all women.⁴
Obesity:³
Obesity creates more pressure in the abdomen. As pressure increases, so does the risk of hernia formation, particularly if a previous abdominal surgery has taken place.
Pregnancy:³
Pregnancy, particularly undergoing labor, increases pressure throughout the body and in the abdomen. Women who have undergone labor are more likely to have hernias than those who have not.
Weightlifting³
Repetitive weightlifting exercises or jobs that require frequent lifting of heavy materials can increase pressure in the abdomen. Over time, these activities can lead to hernia formation.
Chronic Lung Infections or Coughing³,⁶
Coughing increases pressure in the abdomen. The presence of a persistent cough over long periods of time from illnesses like COPD can lead to hernia formation.
Smoking⁵
A history of smoking can lead to increased likelihood of developing inguinal or incisional hernias.
Types of Hernias
There are five common types of hernias. Understanding the causes and locations for each may help identify a hernia. ³
Hernias don't heal on their own. Understanding your treatment options is the first step to recovery.
As a patient, you have multiple treatment options.
Learn more about your mesh options so that you can discuss them with your physician.
