Understanding the Risks and Complications of Abdominal Hernias

Dr. Nsikak Umoh directs the Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic in The Woodlands and Cypress, TX. He sees his patients every day for various digestive and colon issues and is here today to help you understand the risks and complications of abdominal hernias.

You are in excellent hands with our double-board-certified gastrointestinal doctor/surgeon. Our doctor is highly reviewed, experienced, skilled, compassionate to patient’s concerns, and ready to help you feel better and eliminate your GI health concerns.

Understanding Hernias

If you need advice about complications of abdominal hernias in The Woodlands and Cypress, TX, areas, a certified gastrointestinal surgeon can help. All hernias, no matter the type, including abdominal hernias, occur when tissue begins to protrude from one area in the body, in this case, the abdominal wall.

Risks for Abdominal Hernias

The tissue of the abdominal wall becomes damaged when some things repeatedly occur, such as:

• Heavy lifting
• Chronic coughing
• A pregnancy
• Weight gain around the abdomen
• Chronic straining during bowel movements
• Prior abdominal wall surgery that weakens the area

These hernias tend to worsen over time, especially if you continue to live with some of the above risk factors. If you do not make some lifestyle changes to decrease the possible complications from these hernias, they could prove life-threatening.

Complications of Worsening Abdominal Hernias

Once our doctor diagnoses the extent of your hernia, he can talk to you about the possible complications if your abdominal hernia goes untreated. The biggest risk is that the hernia can strangulate, or incarceration can happen. 

Incarceration of a hernia means the doctor can’t reduce the tissue back into its original cavity. Other tissue can slip through the hernia and get stuck, and the doctor can’t pull the hernia back into the abdomen. When the hernia becomes strangulated, the blood flow is cut off, possibly causing gangrene in the trapped tissue, and your situation becomes life-threatening if not treated as soon as possible. Further complications include:

• Rupture of tissue
• Peritonitis
• Shock
• Fatality

It is wise to call your doctor to discuss any possible risks or complications of an abdominal hernia. They will advise you on any necessary treatment options.

Get Your Abdominal Hernia Checked Today

Abdominal hernias can worsen over time, so it’s a good idea to get them checked out by your doctor and treated to prevent the condition from worsening. If you have digestive problems, our doctor will help you formulate the best treatment plan possible.

Call Dr. Umoh today at the Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic in The Woodlands and Cypress, TX, at (832) 663-0037 to schedule your consultation appointment for abdominal hernias at either clinic.