
The St. Joseph’s/Candler Hernia Center of Excellence Can Help You
We treat many different types of hernias. Call us to day! Get an appointment with a Master Surgeon in about a week or less.
Click here to all 912-819-2778 for an appointment
Our Registered Nurse is available to answer any questions and get you scheduled with a Master Surgeon in about a week, pending your insurance.
The most common types of hernia that we see at the St. Joseph's/Candler Hernia Center of Excellence are:
- Inguinal, found in the groin and lower abdomen.
- Hiatal, when the stomach pushing through the diaphragm
- Umbilical, around the belly button
A deeper look at these hernias
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is when part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your lower belly (abdominal) wall. This area is called the groin. The hernia creates a lump in your groin. Over time, the hernia may get bigger. The only solution is surgery.
- Are male
- Are obese
- Are a pregnant woman
- Have a family history of inguinal hernias
- Smoke
- A lump in the groin or in the sac that holds the testicles (the scrotum)
- Pain or pressure in the groin that gets worse when you cough, strain, lift, or exercise
- A burning feeling in the lump
- Steady, growing pain if the blood supply to the bulging part of the intestine is cut off (called a strangulated hernia)
- Infection
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of hunger
Hiatal Hernia
In a hiatal hernia, part of your stomach pushes up into an opening (the hiatus) in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between your belly (abdomen) and your chest.
You are at greater risk for a hiatal hernia if you:
- Are age 50 or older
- Are overweight or obese
- Are pregnant
- Smoke
- Burping
- Feeling nauseous
- Vomiting
- Backflow (reflux) of acid or stomach contents into the esophagus or throat
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Trouble swallowing
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or other abdominal tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the belly button. It is more common in women than in men.
You are at greater risk for an umbilical hernia if you:
- Obesity
- Multiple pregnancies
Symptoms may include:
- A visible bulge near the belly button that may increase in size when standing, coughing, or straining
- Pain or discomfort, especially when pressing on the bulge
- Nausea or vomiting (rare)
Our locations
Our surgeons perform hernia surgeries at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital.
St. Joseph’s Hospital (our surgery center is located next the emergency room, facing Abercorn Street)
11705 Mercy Blvd.
Savannah, Ga. 31419
Candler Hospital (our surgery center is located in the rear of the hospital, closer to Paulsen Street)
5353 Reynolds Street
Savannah, Ga. 31405
Contact us
The SJ/C Hernia Center of Excellence has a dedicated coordinator. For any questions, you can reach her at 912-819-2778.
Or, fill out the form below to request a consultation.