Ask the Experts Blog

Hernias are an incredibly common medical condition, and they can affect adults and children. While it is a common issue, it will not go away on its own.

“Hernias can develop in a number of different locations and can appear at birth or develop later in life,” said Stephen Komara, DO, general surgeon at Corewell Health. “It is important to identify a hernia and get it repaired if needed.”

A hernia is a weak area in your abdominal muscle layer where tissue can push through during or after strenuous activity. This often causes a bulge that you can see or feel under your skin. It is not uncommon for a hernia to “push out” and then return to what looks normal, but even a hernia that has disappeared from view should still be taken seriously.

A hernia can appear in a variety of areas on the abdomen— below the groin or in the groin area, at the navel, near surgical scars or at the midline of the upper abdomen. If not treated, a hernia can grow and lead to serious health complications. Fortunately, Corewell Health has a team of general surgeons who can quickly and safely repair a hernia using the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System.

“Robotically-assisted surgery can provide a number of benefits compared to a conventional surgical approach,” says Dr. Komara.

“Most patients experience minimal scarring, reduced risk of infection because of smaller incisions, less pain and fast recovery, which means they are returning home sooner.”

If you experience pressure or mild pain when lifting, coughing, urinating or doing other activities, contact your primary care provider to see if you may have a hernia. Most hernias can be diagnosed during a regular exam. It’s important to know that a hernia will not go away on its own.

Types of Hernias