Hernia FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Statistics show that up to 10% of the population will develop some type of hernia within their lifetime, causing over a half million hernia surgeries to be performed each year in the U.S. alone. If you are one of the many unfortunate victims of hernia damage, here’s everything you need to know about the condition.

What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when a piece of organ tissue pushes against or protrudes through a weak spot in another organ or tissue in the body. This causes a visible lump in the abdomen that can sometimes be accompanied with pain and swelling.

Are there different types?There are tons of different types of hernias that can occur in both men and women. From the pelvic floor and abdominal wall to the diaphragm, hernias can affect many different parts of the body in different ways. To see a full breakdown of the different types of hernias, click here to view our past blog post.

What causes a hernia to occur?
Hernias form from a weakened spot in the abdominal wall. These weakened spots in the tissue may be present at birth, but can also be formed over time due to aging, injury, surgical and medical procedures, family history, pregnancy, obesity and any type of activity or exercise that causes strain on the body.

How do I know if I have a hernia?
Some experience no physical symptoms except for a lump in the groin or abdomen, while others will feel pain or pressure when bending, coughing or sneezing. Hernias can also be accompanied by a heavy feeling in the groin or abdomen, pain when lifting heavy objects or while making a bowel movement, and pain towards the end of the day when a lot of standing or physical activity took place.

How is a hernia diagnosed?
A hernia is diagnosed by a physical examination from your physician. The doctor will look for obvious lumps and will feel the abdominal and groin area for those that are not so apparent. In some cases the doctor may order an ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan to determine whether or not a hernia is present and its severity.

How are hernias treated and repaired?
Depending on the severity of a hernia, it may be reducible or irreducible. Those that are reducible are sometimes treated with abdominal binding methods to correct the hernia and push it back into the body without surgery, while irreducible hernias almost always require surgery.

Are there ways to prevent hernias from occurring?
Though there is not much that can be done to prevent the abdominal wall from weakening, a person can reduce the amount of pressure on the abdomen wall. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating foods that are high in fiber, drinking plenty of water daily, strengthening your abdomen with exercise and lifting heavy objects correctly are all ways to help reduce your risk of developing a hernia.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous effects of a hernia, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801. Our surgeons are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hernia correction procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

Tips for Dealing with a Hemorrhoid Flare-Up

Hemorrhoids; everyone’s worst nightmare. With little warning, these swollen veins around the anus can cause extensive pain, bleeding and discomfort to an unsuspecting victim. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, know that there are some self-help steps that you can take to ease the pain and make bowel movements more bearable.

Increase your fiber intake. A fiber-rich diet can make all the difference. Try to eat foods that are high in fiber, like whole grains, or incorporate dietary fiber supplements into your daily routine.

Have some mineral oil. When mixed with your morning yogurt or afternoon applesauce, a tablespoon of mineral oil can help to lubricate your stool, allowing it slide past hemorrhoids more easily.

Don’t fight the feeling. The number one cause of straining is holding in a bowel movement. Whenever you feel the urge to go, go!

Elevate your feet. Resting your feet on a step-stool while on the toilet can help open the rectal passage, allowing bowels to move more freely.

Try some over-the-counter remedies. There are a ton of remedies out there, from soothing creams to witch hazel infused pads. Test some out to see what works best for you.

Take a dip in a sitz. Purchase a basin that fits right under the toilet seat and soak the inflamed area 2-to-3 times a day in warm water for 10-15 minute intervals.

Though there are many home remedies to help ease the discomfort that hemorrhoids create, the only true way to rectify a severe hemorrhoid issue is with surgery.

Luckily, the expert surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associate are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures. From laser treatment and sclerotherapy, to rubber band ligation, our team is guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

To learn more about our hemorrhoid removal procedures, click here or call 631-321-6801.

What is Gastrointestinal Endometriosis?

Gastrointestinal Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus migrates within the body, affecting the GI tract. Though this condition is most common in women due to their monthly menstruation period, it is possible for men to be affected as well. Here’s all you need to know about GI Endometriosis, and how it is treated.

What causes endometriosis? Though it is unclear why exactly the endometriosis process occurs, endometriosis is usually brought on during female menstruation when the endometrium, or the outer uterine wall, sheds excess tissue. Sometimes this tissue migrates or becomes misplaced, causing growths or lesions to form in the bladder or bowels, leading to GI Endometriosis.

What are the symptoms and signs? Most women experience worsened pain during their menstrual periods. With GI Endometriosis it’s common to feel pain while sitting, passing gas, having a bowel movement or during sex. Many patients have mistaken this condition for appendicitis because of the similar symptoms.

According to Livestrong.com, “around 70-percent of endometriosis affects the lower part of the intestine, the large intestine, known as the colon, or the sigmoid colon.” Some other common symptoms of GI Endometriosis are rectal bleeding during menstruation, diarrhea or constipation.

How is is diagnosed and treated? The good new is that GI Endometriosis is both diagnosed and treated with a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which means you’ll be feeling better in no time!

If you or someone you know is in need of corrective surgery for GI Endometriosis, the professional surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associates can help! We strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any colorectal or gastrointestinal issues you may face.

If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are having complications with your digestive tract that require surgery, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.

The Different Types of Abdominal Hernias

A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes and pushes against or through another organ or part of the body. In the case of an abdominal hernia, a piece of bowel or body tissue pushes up against a weak spot on the abdominal wall, causing it to break through and lead to a feeling of weakness, pressure, burning, or pain in the abdomen, groin, or scrotum. You may also notice a bulge or lump in one of those areas, and can experience pain when having a bowel movement, lifting or coughing. Since hernias come in all shapes and sizes, here is a list of the most common types of abdominal hernias and how they occur:

Hernias of the Abdominal and Pelvic Floor:

• Inguinal Hernias are mostly predominant in men, occurring when the opening to the inguinal canal, the canal that allows the spermatic cord and testicles to descend, does not close up tightly enough after puberty.
• Femoral Hernias are present when a weak spot forms where the femoral artery and vein pass through the abdomen and into the leg. These are more likely to occur in women.
• Obturator Hernias are less common, but are brought on by multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss that weakens the obturator canal.

Hernias of the Abdominal Wall:

• Epigastric Hernias are characteristic of infants where a weakness of the midline of the abdominal wall exists. Adults who do not catch this hernia at a young age may notice a bulge between their breastbone and belly button.
• Umbilical Hernias occur near the belly button of a newborn, creating an abnormal bulge. Most times these hernias will self-correct and do not require treatment.
• Spigelian Hernias are extremely rare, occurring on the outside edges of the rectus abdominus muscle.
• Incisional Hernias are a result of surgical complications where an abdominal muscle has been cut for a procedure, resulting in a weakened area susceptible to hernias.

Hernias of the Diaphragm:

• Hiatal Hernias can lead to serious complications and occur when a portion of the stomach slides into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.
• Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernias are usually a result of major traumatic injury from blunt trauma, stabbing or gunshot wounds.
• Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia are caused by a rare occurrence where the diaphragm does not completely close during fetal development. This can lead to serious complications within the lungs and their development.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable and potentially dangerous effects of a hernia, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801. Our surgeons are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hernia correction procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoid Complications

Did you know that every single person has hemorrhoids? It’s true, we all have them as a natural part of our anatomy. However, some people’s hemorrhoids become inflamed, causing itching, bleeding and an overall painful experience. Though inflamed hemorrhoids are one of the more prevalent gastrointestinal conditions, no one wants to deal with the discomfort of suffering from them. Luckily there are a few easy ways to help prevent hemorrhoids from becoming a problem in your everyday life.

1. Eat a ton of fiber. Adding an ample amount of fiber -- 25-30 grams a day -- to your diet will help make your bowel movements more frequent and regulated, which reduces your chance of getting hemorrhoids. Legumes, whole grains, artichokes, peas, raspberries, apples and bananas are all great sources of fiber.

2. Drink water regularly. Drinking six-to-eight glasses of water a day helps prevent constipation by promoting healthy bowel movements. But that’s not all! Besides preventing hemorrhoids, drinking water regularly is beneficial for your entire body, so drink up!

3. Keep your body active. Exercise is the key that opens up many healthy lifestyle doors. Keeping active promotes a healthy colon by reducing the amount of time sitting and putting pressure on the veins in your lower rectum. However, certain exercises like lifting weights can actually do the opposite, so exercise wisely!

4. Don’t put up a fight. When you feel the urge to use the restroom, go! Don’t wait for a more convenient time, as waiting can cause for straining later on. Straining or pushing too hard when trying to have a bowel movement is one of the leading causes of inflamed and bleeding hemorrhoids, so avoid it at all costs.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable effects of hemorrhoids, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801 and learn how our surgeons can help. Our doctors are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

Meet Dr. John W. Hsu!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates your health is our number one priority. That’s why we strive to hire only the best and most skilled surgeons in the field to provide an array of high quality healthcare services, using both open and minimally invasive techniques. We know how scary it can be to find out that you need to have a procedure done, but getting to know your doctor prior to your surgery can help ease those fears. Through the implementation of our “Meet the Doctors” blog series, our goal is to help our patients feel calm, comfortable and confident that they’re in the best hands!

With that said, and without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to one of our own, Dr. John W. Hsu!

Originally from way out west, Dr. Hsu studied medicine and received his degree close to home at the University of Kansas. Upon receiving his medical degree the doctor went on to complete his surgical training at Truman Medical Center, a level I trauma center in Kansas City, Missouri..

But that’s not all! Dr. Hsu developed his education and medical career even further by pursuing specialty training in transplant surgery under a fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia PA. Upon completing his training, Dr. Hsu began practicing a wide variety of general surgery procedures, including: gallbladder surgery, hernia surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, endocrine surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, dialysis access surgery and treatment of varicose veins.

In addition to his many prestigious medical degrees and credentials, he is also an active member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, and the Vascular Access Society of the Americas.

To learn more about how Dr. Hsu can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.

How to Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus that can potentially cause extensive pain, bleeding and discomfort. Although many cases of hemorrhoids are treatable with topical medications and a change in diet, it is recommended that large hemorrhoids be treated with surgery. In addition to the traditional methods of surgical hemorrhoidectomy, our surgeons also practice laser, rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy procedures. Here’s what you need to know about each procedure:

A hemorrhoidectomy is the most common procedure for relieving hemorrhoids. This procedure involves several incisions to be made around the anus in order to cut away the hemorrhoids present. Depending on the severity of the surgery, the recommendations of the anesthesiologist and the preference of the patient, this can be done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area, allowing the patient to remain alert, relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure, while general anesthesia will put the patient to sleep. Although this is an outpatient procedure that is very beneficial in relieving pain, swelling, bleeding and itching associated with hemorrhoids, the incision sites are in a sensitive area which could cause mild pain and discomfort during healing.

The following three treatment options are minimally invasive, and work to remove or reduce the size of hemorrhoids:

Laser Treatment - During this procedure, a special, precise laser beam is used to burn away hemorrhoidal tissues in the anus. Since this is done with a laser, no incisions are necessary.

Rubber Band Ligation - In order to cut off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply and kill the tissue, a rubber band is placed around its base. Rest assured that this will be done as painlessly as possible, attaching the rubber bands to the areas that have the least pain receptors.

Sclerotherapy - This procedure uses a chemical solution that is injected into the blood vessel that fuels each hemorrhoid. The solution will work to shrink and destroy the supplying blood vessel, which will in turn kill the hemorrhoid or hemorrhoids that it perpetuates.

If you or someone that you know is dealing with the uncomfortable effects of hemorrhoids, give Great South Bay Surgical Associates a call at 631-321-6801 and learn how our surgeons can help. Our doctors are trained and skillful in all aspects of open and minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal procedures, and are guaranteed to handle your surgery with precision and care.

Meet Dr. Edward Timmins!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we’re proud to have a team of superior surgeons who are leading doctors in their respective fields, with prestigious educational backgrounds from colleges, universities and surgical training programs throughout the country. These distinguished members of the medical field provide top notch healthcare service through the execution of high quality procedures for patients in need of open and minimally invasive general and vascular surgery.

We know the worry that most people face when they learn that they need a surgical procedure, which is why we’d like our patients to be able to know our doctors a little bit better beforehand. We want to ease your fears and help you find comfort in knowing that no matter the procedure, with the surgeons at Great South Bay Surgical Associates, you’re always in good hands!

With that being said, today we’d like to introduce you to another one of our surgical professionals, Dr. Edward Timmins!

Dr. Timmins grew up in Brooklyn NY and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon completion of his degree, the doctor returned to Long Island to pursue a degree in medicine at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) in Old Westbury NY and completed his surgical training at Nassau University Medical Center.

Following his residency, in 1998 Dr. Timmins joined forces with Great South Bay Surgical Associates, working hand-in hand with our extraordinary surgeons for more than 17 years. During his time with the practice, Dr. Timmins has developed an expertise in various types of general surgery, with a particular interest in hernia repair and minimally invasive surgery. As a board certified general surgeon, Dr. Timmins specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgery, dealing mainly with benign and malignant breast diseases, as well as gastrointestinal and abdominal related issues.

In addition to his prestigious hands-on medical background, Dr. Timmins also serves as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been president of the eastern Long Island chapter since 2010. He also serves as the Director of Performance Improvement for the trauma program, one of a select group of surgeons providing trauma care, at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.

To learn more about how Dr. Timmins can help you, give us a call at 631-321-6801 today!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide open and minimally invasive surgical solutions for any vascular or general health issues you may face. If you live in Nassau, Suffolk or the surrounding areas and are in need of a surgeon, click here to view our website or call us 631-321-6801 to schedule your free consultation today.