What is an abdominal hernia?
An abdominal hernia is a bulge or painful lump in the abdomen. Also called a ventral hernia, this common condition happens when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in the abdominal muscles. While some hernias cause little discomfort at first, they often grow over time and can lead to serious problems if the tissue becomes trapped.
Abdominal hernias are treated by general surgeons who often have advanced training in hernia care. At Penn Medicine, hernia care specialists treat both common and complex abdominal hernias every day, including hernias that develop after prior surgery. Our surgeons use modern techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, to help support a quick recovery with fewer complications.
Signs of an abdominal hernia
You might first notice symptoms of an abdominal hernia when you’re lifting something heavy, coughing, or even just standing up. The symptoms can be mild at first and may worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
- A visible bulge or lump under the skin of your belly
- Pain or an achy feeling at the site of the bulge
- Pressure or a heavy feeling in your abdomen
- Burning or aching at the bulge site
- Swelling that improves when lying down
- Nausea or vomiting
How abdominal hernias develop
An abdominal wall hernia develops when there’s a combination of muscle weakness and strain. This weakness can be something you’re born with, or it can develop over time due to aging or past surgeries. When you put pressure on that weak spot through lifting heavy objects, long-term coughing, or straining during bowel movements, the tissue can push through.
There are several types of abdominal hernias, named for where they occur. Epigastric hernias form in the upper abdomen between the belly button and breastbone. Umbilical hernias develop near the belly button, while incisional hernias form at the site of a previous surgical scar.
Tests used to diagnose an abdominal hernia
A physical exam is often enough for your provider to diagnose an abdominal hernia. They may ask you to cough or strain while gently pressing on the area to see how the bulge changes. Blood tests may be ordered if there are signs of infection or other concerns. Imaging tests may also be used to get a clearer look.
Care options for abdominal hernias
Treatment for an abdominal hernia depends on the hernia type and size, your symptoms, and your overall health. Small hernias that aren’t causing pain may be monitored with regular follow-up. Hernias don’t heal on their own and often grow larger over time. Surgery is often recommended to lower the risk of serious complications.
Recognized expertise in hernia care
Choosing where to have hernia surgery is an important decision. At the Penn Hernia Center, our surgeons focus on hernia care every day, treating everything from small, common hernias to complex cases that return after previous repairs. Because we perform a high volume of these procedures, our team has deep experience and knows how to apply the most effective approach for each person.
We specialize in advanced robotic and minimally invasive repairs, which allow us to fix the abdominal wall through very small incisions. For many people, this high-precision approach means a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and a lower risk of wound complications.