Hernia and indigestion: When bloating is more than just digestion

How can a hernia cause digestive problems?

A hernia occurs when abdominal contents push through a gap in the abdominal wall. This results in mechanical and functional stimuli that affect the digestive system:

How can a hernia cause digestive problems?

A hernia occurs when abdominal contents push through a gap in the abdominal wall. This results in mechanical and functional stimuli that affect the digestive system:

These effects are often overlooked, especially in the case of small or deep-seated hernias – the symptoms are considered “functional”, although there is an underlying organic cause.

Typical digestive complaints with hidden hernias

Patients often report about:

• Flatulence, especially after eating
• Feeling full despite small meals
• Constipation or incomplete bowel evacuation
• Drawing pains in the lower abdomen or groin area
• Feeling of pressure when sitting or bending down
• Sudden urge to urinate due to bladder irritation

These symptoms often worsen with exertion – e.g. when lifting, pressing or coughing.

Which types of hernia are often “invisible”?

Not every hernia bulges outwards. The following types in particular often remain undetected:

• Internal inguinal hernias(indirect or preperitoneal)
• Incisional hernias under cosmetically healed skin
• Small umbilical hernias without protrusion when lying down
• Femoral hernias(femoral hernia) in women

In all these cases, there is no typical “hernia sac” on the surface of the skin – the symptoms arise “from within”.

Modern diagnostics: Ultrasound is often sufficient

Many hernias can be diagnosed by careful palpation and high-resolution ultrasound. In some cases, a standing MRI or CT scan is useful – e.g. for incisional hernias or to differentiate them from endometriosis or tumors.

Important: In the case of non-specific digestive complaints, a hernia should always be considered – especially if they are load-dependent or occur on one side.

Treatment options: Minimally invasive and gentle

If a hernia is confirmed as the cause, modern, tissue- and nerve-sparing surgical procedures are available:

• Laparoscopic mesh implantation (e.g. TAPP method)
• Open treatment under local anesthesia for small fractures
• Mesh-free techniques for young patients or if desired

Depending on the findings, the operation can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia – with a return to everyday life usually after a few days.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

1. can a hernia really only be noticeable due to digestive problems?
Yes, many “silent” hernias do not cause a visible protrusion, but become noticeable through a feeling of pressure, bloating or flatulence – especially after eating or during physical exertion.

2. is a hernia always detected by ultrasound?
Experienced doctors often recognize hernias clinically or by standing ultrasound. In rare cases, additional imaging (e.g. MRI) is necessary.

3 What distinguishes a functional disorder from a hernia?
In functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, the intestinal structure and abdominal wall are intact. A hernia, on the other hand, is an anatomical defect – it can usually be treated and does not heal by itself.

4. is surgery necessary for every hernia?
Not necessarily. The decisive factors are symptoms, size, location and the risk of incarceration. Small, asymptomatic hernias can be observed.

5. can symptoms improve immediately after surgery?
As a rule, yes. Many patients report significantly improved digestive symptoms and a better quality of life just a few days after the operation.

6 What happens if you ignore a hernia?
There is a risk of intestinal loops becoming trapped – which requires major surgery in an emergency. Early treatment is usually safer and gentler.

Bloated belly or hernia? 6 differences at a glance

If you have digestive problems, also consider a hernia

Bloating, constipation or a feeling of fullness are not always harmless – they can be an early sign of a hernia. Especially if conventional treatments do not help or the symptoms are stress-related, it is worth visiting the Hernia Center Berlin at VenaZiel.

Scientific references:

• Köckerling F, et al. The Relevance of Preoperative Pain in Inguinal Hernia Repair. Front Surg. 2020.
• Fitzgibbons RJ, Forse RA. Clinical practice: groin hernias in adults. N Engl J Med. 2015.
• van den Heuvel B, Dwars BJ, Klassen DR, Bonjer HJ. Is watchful waiting a safe strategy for managing asymptomatic inguinal hernias? J Am Coll Surg. 2011.
• Miserez M, et al. European Hernia Society Guidelines on the treatment of inguinal hernia in adult patients. Hernia. 2014.