Hernias and Organ Prolapse: What You Need to Know

Nicolas Perez, M.D. – Korunda Pain Management Center

Hernias can happen at any age, but as we get older, the structures that surround and protect our organs may become weakened, stretched, less elastic and resilient. The weakened muscles can subsequently allow organs to prolapse and fall into the groin area or abdominal wall, which can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain.

Symptoms of Organ Herniation
• Bulging of the Organs
• Feeling of Pelvic Heaviness or Fullness
• Leakage of Urine
• Problems Having a Bowel Movement
• Pulling or Aching Feeling in the Lower
Abdomen, Groin or Lower Back

What Causes Hernias?
• Age
• Lifting weights or heavy objects
• Injury/Trauma
• Prior Surgery
• Chronic Coughing or Sneezing
• Straining
• Constipation
• Acid Reflux

Common Types of Hernias
• Inguinal—70% of all hernias are inguinal. This is usually caused by the intestines pushing through a weak spot or a tear in the abdominal wall.

• Hiatal Hernia—Typically happens in older adults and is usually the result of chronic acid reflux. A portion of the stomach prolapses and the symptoms typically start with difficulty in swallowing.

• Incisional Hernia—this is the result of a prior abdominal surgery incision site that prolapses due to the weakened underlying muscles.

Hernia Treatment Options
Hernias can be treated with specific exercises or manipulation to push the organ back into place, but these are not permanent methods of correction. Some medications can be given to alleviate distressful symptoms and discomfort like antacids for hiatal hernias. However, the best method of treatment is surgery:
• Laparoscopic surgical procedure (Minimally Invasive)
• Full open abdominal surgery dependent on the size of hernia prolapse

Minimally invasive surgery is a permanent option for putting your organs back in place and reconnecting ligaments while strengthening the surrounding muscular structure with a sling or mesh.

The Physicians at the Korunda Medical Institute offer premier primary care services with a comprehensive approach focusing on prevention strategies.

To schedule your appointment, please call them at (239) 431-6464 today.

Korunda Pain Management Center
14131 Metropolis Ave. Ste 103
Ft. Myers, FL 33912
239-591-2803 | www.korundaPMC.com

Patient Testimonials:
I have never had a doctor such as Dr. Nena Korunda. She is caring, generous, and her medical wisdom and courage is not very common to find in a doctor. I am well aware that without the courage to take a chance I might not be here right now. For this, I will be forever grateful. —Nina M

There are no words to express the gratitude in my heart for the tremendous medical care I have received from Dr. Nena Korunda. In the 50 years of my life, I have never had a doctor that I trust so fully. —Martin N