Plano, TX, Aug.17, 2016 – It is estimated that 5 million Americans suffer from the pain and discomfort associated with hernias. This condition, if left unchecked, typically only gets worse and may very well necessitate the need for emergency medical intervention. Even so, many of the millions of hernia sufferers ignore their symptoms, choosing to wait until the last minute to seek medical advice.

“The very nature of a hernia makes waiting to seek medical advice a very bad idea,” explains Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon of Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery. “This condition arises when an organ manages to poke through a weakened piece of tissue or muscle. As time passes, the weakening tends to grow larger and may cause what is known as a strangulation. This arises when blood flow to the organ is cut off. The only remedy is emergency surgical intervention at that point.”

There are a number of different types of hernias, defined by the portion of the body the weakness happens to present in. Groin hernias, for example, are very common as are those located in the abdomen. Abdominal hernias typically involve a section of the intestine that pokes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall. This can give rise to a visible bulge and may product discomfort and pain.

Hernia repair surgery is typically performed using a laparoscopic procedure. This minimally invasive procedure calls for closing the weakened area and returning the organ to its proper location in the body. Since laparoscopic techniques are used, the surgery generally only requires short recovery time with most patients back at their normal routines within a few weeks.

“Hernias simply do not repair themselves,” says Dr. Nicholson. “While it is possible to live with this condition for a time, most people do find the need for repair becomes evident eventually. If a hernia is suspected, it is best to seek medical advice to ensure proper monitoring and eventual intervention before an emergency situation arises.”

About Abdominal Surgery Specialists
Founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the country’s leading weight loss surgeons and co-author of “Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny,” Abdominal Surgery Specialists provides patients with a variety of options to treat conditions including gallbladders, hernias, reflux and obesity.