Hernias in Grand Rapids, MI

A hernia occurs when an internal organ, most often part of the intestine, pushes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Over time, this opening can widen, allowing more tissue or bowel to bulge through and form a visible sac or lump.

In Grand Rapids, hernias are a common reason for visits to primary care providers and surgeons at major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

What Does a Hernia Look and Feel Like?

A visible lump or bulge under the skin is one of the key signs of a hernia. You may notice:

  • A soft swelling or bulge in the groin, near the navel, or at a prior surgical scar
  • The lump becomes more obvious when you cough, strain, lift, or stand
  • The lump may disappear or get smaller when you lie down

The weakened area of the abdominal wall may be present at birth or develop later in life. While the groin is the most common site, hernias can also occur around the navel (umbilicus) or in areas of prior surgery.

Reducible vs. Non-Reducible Hernias

  • Reducible hernia:
    The bulge can be gently pushed back into the abdomen or goes away when you lie down. This is still a medical issue but usually less urgent.

  • Non-reducible (incarcerated) hernia:
    The lump cannot be pushed back in. This can lead to serious complications, including strangulation of the bowel, and requires urgent medical evaluation.

Both reducible and non-reducible hernias typically require surgical repair to prevent worsening and complications.

How Common Are Hernias?

Hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Thousands of patients each year undergo hernia surgery at hospitals and surgical centers across West Michigan, including those in the Grand Rapids metro area.

Because Michigan residents often perform heavy physical work, recreational activities, and winter snow shoveling, straining and lifting can contribute to hernia development or make an existing hernia more noticeable.

Common Symptoms of a Hernia

Hernia symptoms can vary based on the type and location, but may include:

  • A visible lump or swollen area in the groin, thigh, around the belly button, or along a previous surgical incision
  • A heavy, dragging, or uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen, especially when bending, coughing, or lifting (including snow shoveling during West Michigan winters)
  • Pain or aching at the site of the bulge, particularly with exertion
  • Digestive changes, such as constipation or a feeling of pressure
  • A lump that disappears or shrinks when lying down

Emergency symptoms that may suggest a strangulated hernia include:

  • Sudden, severe pain at the hernia site
  • Redness, warmth, or extreme tenderness over the bulge
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement

If you have these symptoms in Grand Rapids, seek immediate care at a local emergency department (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) or call 911.

Why Do Hernias Occur?

The abdominal wall is made of layers of muscle and tissue, not a single solid sheet. Certain areas are naturally weaker and more likely to develop hernias, especially when combined with:

  • Heavy lifting or straining (including snow removal, yard work, and manual labor common in West Michigan)
  • Chronic coughing (for example, from smoking or lung disease)
  • Obesity or significant weight gain
  • Pregnancy
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Aging and loss of muscle tone
  • Congenital (present at birth) weaknesses in the abdominal wall

Types of Hernias Seen in Grand Rapids

Inguinal Hernia (Groin Hernia)

This is the most common type of hernia, accounting for more than 9 out of 10 abdominal wall hernias.

  • Occurs in the groin, where a loop of intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall
  • More common in men than women
  • Frequently seen in middle-aged and older adults, though it can occur at any age

Symptoms often include a groin bulge that worsens with standing, lifting, or coughing.

Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia occurs high on the thigh, where the leg meets the body, through a weak spot in the femoral canal.

  • More common in women
  • The herniated bowel is at higher risk of strangulation, a serious complication where the blood supply is cut off
  • Often presents as a small, tender lump just below the groin crease

Femoral hernias require prompt evaluation by a surgeon, as they are particularly prone to becoming non-reducible and strangulated.

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or tissue pushes through a weak spot near the navel (belly button).

  • Common in newborns and infants
  • In adults, more common in overweight individuals and women who have had multiple pregnancies
  • May cause a soft bulge at the belly button that becomes more visible when the person cries, coughs, or strains

Pediatric umbilical hernias are often monitored by pediatricians in Grand Rapids and may close on their own, while adult umbilical hernias usually require surgery.

Incisional Hernia

After any abdominal surgery, the incision site is structurally weaker than the surrounding tissue. Over time, the intestines or other tissue can push through this weakened area, forming an incisional hernia.

  • More likely if the wound did not heal well or if there is obesity, chronic cough, or heavy lifting after surgery
  • Commonly appears as a bulge along or near the old scar

Incisional hernias are routinely evaluated and repaired by general surgeons at Grand Rapids hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.

Strangulated Hernia

A strangulated hernia is not a separate type, but a dangerous complication of any hernia (especially femoral and some inguinal hernias).

  • The herniated intestine becomes tightly trapped (incarcerated) in the muscle opening
  • Blood flow is cut off, leading to swelling, tissue death (gangrene), and risk of life-threatening infection

Symptoms can include:

  • Sudden, intense pain at the hernia site
  • Red, firm, or very tender bulge
  • Fever, nausea, vomiting
  • Inability to pass gas or stool

This is a medical emergency. Immediate surgery is needed to save the affected bowel.

Hiatus Hernia (Hiatal Hernia)

A hiatus hernia is different from abdominal wall hernias. It involves the diaphragm, the muscle under the lungs that helps you breathe.

The diaphragm has a small opening (hiatus) for the esophagus to pass into the stomach. In a hiatus hernia:

  • A portion of the stomach and lower esophagus slides or pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity

Symptoms of a Hiatus Hernia

Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they often relate to acid reflux:

  • Heartburn or burning pain in the chest
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Chest discomfort, especially after large meals or when lying down

Possible Complications

  • Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)
  • Ulcers or bleeding in severe cases
  • Long-term reflux can lead to changes in the esophageal lining

Treatment Options

Most hiatus hernias are managed with:

  • Antacid or acid-reducing medications
  • Weight loss if overweight (common among adults in Michigan)
  • Avoiding large or late-night meals
  • Elevating the head of the bed (sleeping with the head higher than the feet)
  • Lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking, alcohol, and trigger foods

Surgery may be considered for severe or persistent cases.

How Are Hernias Treated?

Surgical Repair: The Only Definitive Treatment

While supportive measures (like a truss or binder) may temporarily relieve symptoms, surgery is the only effective treatment for most hernias.

The goals of hernia surgery are to:

  • Return the protruding tissue or intestine to the abdomen
  • Close and reinforce the weakened area of the muscle wall
  • Prevent recurrence and complications such as strangulation

Common Surgical Approaches

Depending on the type and location of the hernia, and your overall health, surgeons in Grand Rapids may recommend:

  • Open hernia repair

    • A single larger incision is made over the hernia
    • The herniated tissue is placed back into the abdomen
    • The muscle wall is closed, often with stitches and/or a synthetic mesh to strengthen the area

  • Laparoscopic hernia repair

    • A minimally invasive technique using several small incisions
    • A slender instrument called a laparoscope (with a camera) is inserted
    • The hernia is repaired from the inside, typically using mesh

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

  • Smaller incisions and potentially less scarring
  • Less postoperative pain for many patients
  • Faster return to normal activities and work
  • Often an outpatient procedure at Grand Rapids surgical centers

Not all patients or hernias are suitable for laparoscopic repair; your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

Reducing Your Risk of Hernia Recurrence

Even after successful surgery, hernias can return in about 1 out of 10 cases. To lower your risk of recurrence:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Strengthen your core muscles under guidance from your provider or physical therapist
  • Avoid heavy lifting or learn proper lifting techniques (especially during winter snow shoveling in West Michigan)
  • Treat chronic cough or constipation that causes repeated straining
  • Follow all post-surgical instructions from your Grand Rapids care team

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • A new lump in your groin, thigh, around your belly button, or near an old surgical scar
  • Discomfort or pain at a known hernia site
  • Worsening symptoms with activity, lifting, or prolonged standing

For non-emergency concerns, you can:

  • Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider
  • Ask for a referral to a general surgeon at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on local clinics and resources, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured

Seek immediate emergency care if you have:

  • Sudden, severe pain at the hernia site
  • A firm, tender, or discolored bulge that will not go back in
  • Nausea, vomiting, fever, or inability to pass gas or stool

Key Points About Hernias in Grand Rapids, MI

  • A visible lump or bulge is one of the key characteristics of a hernia.
  • The groin is the most common site, but hernias can also form near the navel or at prior surgical incisions.
  • Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for more than nine out of ten abdominal wall hernias.
  • Inguinal hernias affect more men than women and are particularly common in middle age.
  • Femoral hernias are more common in women and have a higher risk of strangulation.
  • The only definitive treatment for most hernias is surgical repair, available at major Grand Rapids hospitals and outpatient centers.
  • Prompt evaluation and treatment help prevent serious complications and support a safe return to daily activities in all seasons, from winter snow shoveling to summer recreation along West Michigan’s lakes and trails.