Hernia may present with the following symptoms:

• A bulge at the location of the hernia
• A sharp pain or aching sensation
• Noticeable bulge while bending, standing, coughing etc.
• Nausea and vomiting sensation due to bowel obstruction
• Acid reflux chest pain and burning sensation
• Pain in the groin area

The diagnostic procedure for a hernia depends upon the type of hernia a person has.

The following diagnostic procedures are instrumental in confirming the presence of a hernia:

• A physical exam may be sufficient to confirm an inguinal and incisional hernia as they present with an evident bulge which a doctor can easily examine when a patient tries to stand or strain.
• Umbilical hernias can be diagnosed with the help of an ultrasound or physical examination.
• A barium X-ray or chest X-ray can help in confirming the presence of a hiatal hernia.
• An endoscopy may be needed if there is a risk of complications.
• CT scans and X-rays also help in the diagnostic procedure.

There are two types of surgeries that can be performed to treat hernia:

• Herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty- it is also known as open hernia repair surgery. In this procedure, a single long incision is made at the groin and the hernia is pushed back into place. The edges of the muscle from where the hernia bulges out are repaired by either stitching them together, or with the use of a synthetic mesh, which reduces pressure on the muscle wall.

• Laparoscopic surgery- in this procedure, a small incision is made below the navel, through which a laparoscope is inserted. Other smaller incisions are used to insert the instruments used to treat the hernia. It is then covered and fixed with a synthetic mesh.

The risks involved in a surgery for the treatment of Hernia are:

• Risk of infection
• Seromas (fluid build-up) or hematomas (blood build-up)
• Damage to the femoral artery
• Excessive bleeding at the site of incision
• Risk of injury to other organs and nerves
• Damage to the spermatic cord
• Formation of adhesions on the body

Patients can go home the same day after surgery in most cases. The recovery time is between 3-4 weeks for open surgery and lesser for laparoscopic surgery as the incision is smaller and lesser tissue is damaged. The risk of the hernia reoccurring is very low post an open surgery as opposed to laparoscopic which is a little higher. The patient should take complete rest and not indulge in any strenuous physical activity. In case of a bleed from the surgery site or any other complications, the doctor should be contacted immediately.