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Step 1
Realize a hiatal hernia is often suspected when a patient complains of frequent heartburn and chest pain.
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Step 2
Understand there are two ways to test for a hiatal hernia. A barium x-ray requires drinking a chalky liquid containing barium and taking x-rays to identify the outline of the esophagus and stomach. An endoscopy is a test that consists of passing a flexible tube with a fiber-optic light down the esophagus.
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Step 3
Realize an inguinal hernia is most common in the intestine. This protrusion through the lower abdominal wall can be very painful. The only test that is usually required is a physical exam that includes coughing or straining to make the hernia more prominent.
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Step 4
Tell your pediatrician if you notice your baby's bellybutton protruding when she cries. This may indicate the presence of an umbilical hernia. Imaging studies may be a required test to rule out complications. Umbilical hernias are also found in adults.
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Step 5
Understand it may be necessary for a surgeon to do a laparoscopic exam when symptoms suggest a hernia, but no test is available to confirm the diagnosis. This is a possibility when there's a need to differentiate between pain from internal adhesions from a prior surgery and incisional hernia pain.
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Step 6
Expect your primary care doctor to order blood tests in the case of suspected blockage by a hernia in the intestine. Infection can set in rapidly when the hernia results in a strangulated colon.
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Step 1
Check with your doctor about any other test that may confirm or rule out a hernia before consenting to surgery. A hernia surgery can usually be scheduled as an elective procedure.
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Step 2
Talk to your doctor about risks and recovery from hernia surgery before signing a consent. In some patients, the surgery is more of a risk than the hernia. Only your doctor can make that determination.
