What Type of Doctor Treats a Hernia?

A general surgeon is the primary specialist who diagnoses and treats most abdominal-wall and groin hernias. A primary care provider may evaluate the symptoms first, but a surgeon determines whether the hernia should be monitored or surgically repaired.

Hernias generally do not heal on their own. However, not every hernia requires immediate surgery. Treatment depends on the type of hernia, symptoms, changes in size, overall health, and risk of complications.

Who Treats a Hernia?

A general surgeon usually treats inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, and other abdominal-wall hernias.

General surgeons are trained to:

• Diagnose different types of hernias
• Determine whether a hernia requires repair
• Monitor certain hernias that are not causing significant symptoms
• Perform open, laparoscopic, or robotic hernia surgery
• Evaluate recurrent or complex hernias
• Treat complications related to previous hernia repairs

Some general surgeons focus heavily on hernia repair and have additional experience treating complex, recurrent, or previously repaired hernias.

Can a Primary Care Doctor Diagnose a Hernia?

A primary care doctor can evaluate a bulge, pain, pressure, or other possible hernia symptoms.

During an examination, the provider may:

• Inspect the affected area
• Ask you to stand, cough, or strain
• Check whether the bulge changes with position
• Evaluate pain and tenderness
• Order imaging if the diagnosis is unclear
• Refer you to a general surgeon

A primary care provider can help identify a suspected hernia, but surgical repair is performed by a surgeon.

Do You Need a Referral for a Hernia?

Whether you need a referral depends on your insurance plan and medical group.

Many patients begin with a primary care provider, who can:

• Evaluate the symptoms
• Order initial imaging
• Rule out other possible causes
• Refer the patient to a surgeon

Depending on your insurance, you may also be able to schedule directly with a general surgeon.

Some insurance plans require:

• A primary care referral
• Prior authorization
• Treatment from an in-network provider
• Evaluation within a specific medical group

Review your insurance benefits before scheduling when possible.

What Does a Hernia Surgeon Do?

A hernia surgeon evaluates the type, location, size, symptoms, and complexity of a hernia.

The surgeon may determine:

• Whether the lump is a hernia
• Whether imaging is needed
• Whether the hernia can be monitored
• Whether surgery is recommended
• Which surgical approach is appropriate
• Whether mesh may be used
• What recovery may involve
• Whether a recurrent hernia requires a more complex repair

General surgeons are typically the appropriate specialists for determining whether a hernia requires monitoring, additional testing, or repair.

What Is a Hernia Specialist?

A hernia specialist is generally a surgeon who performs hernia repairs frequently or focuses a significant portion of their practice on abdominal-wall reconstruction and hernia surgery.

A patient may particularly benefit from a surgeon with hernia-specific experience when dealing with:

• A recurrent hernia
• A large hernia
• A complex abdominal-wall defect
• Multiple previous abdominal surgeries
• Chronic pain after a prior repair
• An infected or failed mesh repair
• A hernia near a previous surgical incision
• A need for abdominal-wall reconstruction
• A possible robotic or minimally invasive repair

General surgeons routinely perform hernia repair. Complex or recurrent cases may require additional hernia-specific experience.

What Types of Hernias Do General Surgeons Treat?

General surgeons commonly treat:

• Inguinal hernias in the groin
• Femoral hernias near the upper thigh
• Umbilical hernias near the belly button
• Incisional hernias at previous surgical sites
• Ventral hernias in the abdominal wall
• Epigastric hernias in the upper abdomen
• Recurrent hernias
• Certain hiatal or paraesophageal hernias

The appropriate specialist may vary depending on the hernia’s location and complexity.

Do Gastroenterologists Treat Hernias?

Gastroenterologists may help diagnose and manage digestive symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia, including:

• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation
• Upper abdominal discomfort

However, gastroenterologists do not perform abdominal-wall or groin hernia repairs.

When a hiatal hernia or another hernia requires surgery, the patient is typically referred to a surgeon.

Does a Urologist Treat an Inguinal Hernia?

A urologist may evaluate groin pain when symptoms could involve the urinary or reproductive system. However, inguinal hernia repair is generally performed by a general surgeon.

Because groin pain may have several possible causes, a primary care provider, urologist, or general surgeon may participate in the initial evaluation depending on the symptoms.

Can Urgent Care Diagnose a Hernia?

An urgent care provider may evaluate a suspected hernia and help determine whether additional testing or emergency care is needed.

Urgent care may:

• Perform an initial examination
• Evaluate pain and swelling
• Order or recommend imaging
• Refer the patient to a surgeon
• Direct the patient to an emergency department when necessary

Urgent care centers do not provide definitive surgical hernia treatment.

Seek emergency care rather than routine urgent care for severe pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, fever, or a firm and discolored bulge.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Hernia?

Schedule an evaluation if you notice:

• A visible bulge in the abdomen or groin
• A bulge that appears when standing or straining
• Pain or pressure when lifting
• A pulling or burning sensation
• A lump that is gradually growing
• Discomfort that improves when lying down
• Symptoms affecting work, exercise, or daily activity
• A previously repaired hernia that may have returned

Even when symptoms are mild, a surgeon can help determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

When Is a Hernia an Emergency?

Seek immediate medical care for:

• Sudden or severe pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• A bulge that becomes firm or extremely tender
• Red, purple, or dark skin over the bulge
• Abdominal swelling
• Fever
• Inability to pass gas
• Inability to have a bowel movement
• A hernia that no longer becomes smaller when lying down

These symptoms may indicate that tissue has become trapped or lost its blood supply.

How Do You Choose the Right Hernia Surgeon?

Consider the following factors when selecting a surgeon.

Experience

Ask how often the surgeon performs the type of hernia repair you may need.

This may include:

• Inguinal hernia repair
• Umbilical hernia repair
• Incisional hernia repair
• Recurrent hernia repair
• Robotic-assisted repair
• Laparoscopic repair
• Open repair

Surgical Approach

Ask which surgical approaches the surgeon offers and why one may be recommended for your condition.

Open, laparoscopic, and robotic repairs each have potential benefits, limitations, and appropriate uses.

The best approach depends on:

• Hernia type
• Hernia size
• Previous surgeries
• Whether the hernia has returned
• Overall health
• Surgeon experience

Board Certification

Board certification can help confirm that the surgeon has completed recognized training and meets professional standards within the specialty.

Experience With Complex Cases

Patients with large, recurrent, or previously repaired hernias may need a surgeon with experience in complex abdominal-wall repair.

Facility and Care Team

Ask where the procedure is performed and what support is available before and after surgery.

Communication

Choose a surgeon who:

• Explains the diagnosis clearly
• Reviews all reasonable treatment options
• Discusses risks and expected recovery
• Answers questions directly
• Provides clear postoperative instructions

What Questions Should You Ask a Hernia Surgeon?

Consider asking:

• What type of hernia do I have?
• Do I need surgery now?
• Can the hernia be monitored?
• Which repair method do you recommend?
• Why is that approach appropriate for me?
• Will mesh be used?
• How often do you perform this procedure?
• What is the expected recovery time?
• When can I return to work or exercise?
• What symptoms should prompt urgent care?
• What is the risk that the hernia could return?

Find a Hernia Surgeon in the East Bay

Hernia Innovations connects patients with experienced general surgeons who evaluate and treat inguinal, umbilical, incisional, femoral, ventral, and other abdominal-wall hernias.

Our surgeons provide individualized treatment planning and may use open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques depending on the type and complexity of the hernia.

We serve patients throughout:

• Walnut Creek
• Brentwood
• Antioch
• Concord
• Surrounding East Bay communities

Meet our East Bay hernia surgeons or request an appointment online. You may also call (925) 940-1025 to schedule an evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of doctor treats a hernia?

A general surgeon is the primary specialist who evaluates and treats most abdominal-wall and groin hernias.

Who should I see if I think I have a hernia?

You may begin with a primary care provider or schedule with a general surgeon, depending on your insurance and symptoms.

Do all hernias require surgery?

No. Certain hernias may be monitored when they are not causing significant symptoms. Others require repair because of pain, enlargement, activity limitations, hernia type, or risk of complications.

Can a primary care doctor treat a hernia?

A primary care doctor can evaluate symptoms and may diagnose a hernia, but surgical repair is performed by a surgeon.

What is the best doctor for hernia surgery?

Look for a board-certified general surgeon who regularly performs the type of hernia repair you may need. Complex or recurrent hernias may require additional hernia-specific experience.

Do I need a referral to see a hernia surgeon?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some patients can schedule directly, while others require a referral or prior authorization.

Does a gastroenterologist perform hernia surgery?

No. A gastroenterologist may manage symptoms related to a hiatal hernia, but surgical repair is performed by a surgeon.

Can I go directly to a hernia surgeon?

In many cases, yes. However, your insurance plan may require a referral from a primary care provider.