Hernia

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Hernia services offered in The Woodlands, Shenandoah and Spring, TX

Hernias are medical problems that require prompt intervention, and Premier General and Colorectal Surgery offers that skilled care in a boutique practice setting. Premier colorectal surgery specialist Junuk Kim, MD, FACS, and his experienced team provide expert care for inguinal, ventral, and umbilical hernias in the Shenandoah, Texas, office. If you have a hernia or suspect you might, don’t wait any longer for help. Schedule your appointment through online scheduling or call the office today. 

Hernia Q&A

What are hernias?

Hernias happen when part of an organ, like your large intestine or another kind of tissue, protrudes through a thin or weak area in a muscle or connective tissue. Some types of hernias that Dr. Kim treats most frequently include: 

 

Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias, also called groin hernias, happen when tissue pokes through one of the muscles that connect your abdomen and upper thigh.  

 

Ventral hernia

Ventral hernias, also called abdominal hernias, occur when a loop of the intestine or other tissue penetrates a weak area in your abdominal wall.

 

Umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernias happen when a loop of the intestine pushes through the abdominal muscle wall around your navel. They’re most common in babies but can also occur in adults. 

Some of the most common risk factors for hernias are straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, chronic heavy coughing, and other activities or movements that cause pressure in the abdominal area. 

 

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Hernia symptoms depend on where it occurs in the body, but in general, some common symptoms include: 

  • Pain 
  • Aching
  • Burning
  • Pressure sensation
  • Heaviness sensation 

Some hernias cause a noticeable bulge in your abdominal or groin area, but others don’t. 

How are hernias diagnosed?

Dr. Kim can diagnose hernias during a physical exam. He may ask you to cough during the exam, which can help make the hernia more prominent temporarily. 

In some cases, you’ll need imaging tests like a diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

How are hernias treated?

Hernias don’t get better without treatment. The best solution is surgical repair. Dr. Kim performs minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic) with tiny incisions to repair most hernias. 

With his specialized general and colorectal surgery training, Dr. Kim can expertly reposition the protruding tissue and reinforce the weak area to prevent a recurrence. 

Minimally invasive surgery offers improved recovery times, reduces pain, and reduces the risk of complications during surgery and recovery compared with traditional surgery with a single large incision. 

For hernia treatment from the best general and colorectal surgeon in the area, call Premier General & Colorectal Surgery or click on the provided online scheduler now.