Comprehensive Hernia Program

Abdominal hernias can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Factors that may increase the risk of developing a hernia include:

• Prior abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Chronic coughing or constipation
• Repetitive or physically demanding lifting
• Pregnancy
• Tobacco use, which can impair healing
• Older age, as tissues naturally weaken over time
• Certain inherited connective tissue disorders

Obesity is also an important risk factor, as excess weight places additional strain on the abdominal wall and is associated with a higher risk of both hernia development and recurrence after repair. Mount Sinai’s Comprehensive Hernia Program team offers coordinated access to integrated weight management services when appropriate to help patients prepare for surgery and achieve long-term success. This includes collaborating with a Mount Sinai dietitian and prescribing weight loss medications such as GLP-1s. At Mount Sinai, we typically require patients to achieve a body mass index (BMI) below 35 prior to surgery.  

Abdominal hernia symptoms vary depending on size and location and may include:

• A bulge in the abdomen or along a surgical scar
• Pain or discomfort with lifting, coughing, or exercise
• Pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
• Symptoms that become more noticeable with standing or physical activity

Sometimes doctors discover abdominal hernias during routine physical exams or on imaging performed for other medical conditions.

Many hernias remain stable for years, while others enlarge over time or become increasingly uncomfortable. In some cases, tissue may become trapped in the hernia (incarceration), or its blood supply may be compromised (strangulation), creating a medical emergency that may require surgery.

It’s best to seek a surgical consult for your abdominal hernia early rather than later because waiting may limit treatment options. In addition, smaller abdominal hernias have lower risks of complications.

While some hernias remain small and cause few or no symptoms, it is important to schedule an evaluation if you notice a new abdominal bulge, persistent discomfort, or changes in a known hernia. Immediate medical attention is critical if:

• The hernia becomes suddenly painful or firm
• The bulge cannot be pushed back in
• You develop nausea, vomiting, or fever
• The area becomes red, purple, or darker than normal
• The hernia becomes larger over time

Every patient with an abdominal hernia receives a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the type of hernia, assess overall health, and define treatment goals. From there, we tailor each patient’s care based on their particular needs.

Throughout the process, we engage our patients, encourage them to ask questions, learn about their treatment options, understand what recovery may involve after hernia surgery, and make informed decisions alongside their care team.

Early evaluation by our experienced hernia team helps determine the best course of care. Not every hernia requires immediate surgery. For some patients, careful monitoring, weight management, or other nonsurgical approaches may be the most appropriate treatment. When surgery is recommended, it is because our team believes the patient is likely to benefit from repair based on their symptoms, overall health, and the characteristics of the hernia.