Hernia — Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in Lucknow
A hernia happens when an internal organ — usually a loop of bowel — pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, creating a visible bulge. Hernias do not heal on their own and gradually enlarge, so they are best repaired before they cause trouble.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma treats all types of hernia in Lucknow with durable laparoscopic and open mesh repair.
What is a hernia?
The abdominal wall normally holds the organs in place. Where it is weak — at the groin, around the navel, or along a previous surgical scar — pressure can push tissue through, producing a bulge that may ache or enlarge on coughing, lifting or straining.
The main types are inguinal (groin), umbilical (navel), incisional (at a scar) and hiatal (where the stomach rises through the diaphragm).
Symptoms to watch for
- A visible bulge in the groin or abdomen that may disappear when lying down
- Discomfort or aching, worse on lifting, coughing or straining
- A dragging or heavy sensation
- For hiatal hernia: acid reflux and heartburn
- Sudden severe pain, with a bulge that won't reduce — a surgical emergency
Causes & risk factors
- A natural or acquired weakness in the abdominal wall
- Heavy lifting, chronic cough or straining
- Obesity and pregnancy
- Previous abdominal surgery (incisional hernia)
- Increasing age and smoking
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical examination — most hernias are diagnosed on examination
- Ultrasound to confirm small or uncertain hernias
- CT scan for large, complex or recurrent hernias
How hernias are treated
Surgery is the only cure. The defect is repaired and reinforced with a mesh to give a strong, low-recurrence result — performed laparoscopically (keyhole) or open, depending on the hernia. Trusses and belts only mask the problem and do not repair it.
Repairing a hernia electively, before it becomes an emergency, is far safer than operating once bowel becomes trapped.
When to see a GI surgeon
- Any new lump or bulge in the groin or abdomen
- A hernia that is enlarging or becoming uncomfortable
- Reflux symptoms suggesting a hiatal hernia
- Sudden severe pain or a hard, tender bulge — seek emergency care
Hernia: common questions
Can a hernia heal without surgery?
No. There is no medicine or exercise that closes a hernia — the gap in the abdominal wall can only be repaired surgically. Left alone, a hernia slowly enlarges and carries a risk of becoming trapped, which is an emergency.
How urgent is hernia surgery?
Most hernias can be repaired electively at a planned time. However, if a hernia becomes suddenly painful, hard and irreducible, that may mean bowel is trapped and you need emergency surgery. Planned repair avoids this risk.
Concerned about hernia?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.