Do you have nausea? Groin pain? Bulge in your abdomen?

In recognition of National Hernia Awareness Month, Lakeview Hospital , a campus of Tulane Medical Center, will offer a free hernia seminar on Wednesday, June 27, from 6-7 p.m. in the hospital’s Pelican Room. Two general surgeons – Dr. Stephen Harkness and Dr. Cary Gray – will conduct the screenings, provide information about the importance of early detection and discuss minimally invasive procedures for repair.

Often, there is no obvious cause as to why someone develops a hernia, but awareness of common symptoms can help in diagnosing their occurrence. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million Americans have a hernia, yet only 750,000 Americans seek treatment each year.

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abdominal opening in the body. People at risk of developing a hernia are typically those performing chronic lifting or activities that require straining, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. Hernias can cause nausea, pain or discomfort during daily activities or during urination or bowel movement, and the pain may be sharp and sudden, dull and achy, or a combination of both. Also, a lump may develop in the abdomen or groin that may or may not disappear upon laying down or pressing on it, and it will not heal on its own. However, there are a variety of simple and safe surgical procedures that can eliminate hernias. The physicians at Lakeview Regional can provide the necessary information and treatment to repair a hernia.

To register for a screening, please contact Cheryl Baham at (985) 302-4369.