Collin County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 19

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THE “PUSH-BACK” ON HERNIAS
Courtesy Medical Center of McKinney

H

ernias are common and
can occur in both men and
women in equal proportions and
at any stage of life.

A hernia is defined as an abnormal protrusion, or bulging out, of
part of an organ through the tissues that normally contain it. In this
condition, a weak spot or opening
in a body wall, often due to laxity
of the muscles, allows part of the
organ to protrude.
Is it possible for a person to have
a hernia and be unaware of it?
“Yes, it is,” says Eric R. Dritsas, MD,
board-certified general surgeon
on staff with Medical Center of
McKinney. “Some people may not
experience symptoms of a hernia;
yet, as time goes by, hernia repair
surgery will generally become
necessary since hernias continue
to grow.”
In the event that hernia symptoms
do occur, they are commonly

described as discomfort and pain
related to the hernia itself. The
discomfort may worsen when a
person stands, strains, or lifts heavy
objects. Many people will notice
an uncomfortable lump or bulge
that has become bigger
over time.
Hernias can be found
in different areas of the
body as follows:
• Groin – an inguinal
hernia (more common
in men) is a bulge in the
groin that may reach the
scrotum, or a femoral
hernia gives a bulge just
below the groin (more
common in women)
• Belly button - a bulge around
here is produced by an յ