Piedmont Walton surgeon encourages awareness during Hernia Awareness Month

Athens, Ga. (June 16, 2026) - During Hernia Awareness Month in June, Rosemary L. Chickos, DO, a general surgeon at Piedmont Walton, is encouraging individuals to learn the signs and symptoms of hernias and seek care early, as many cases can worsen over time if left untreated.

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue, most often in the abdomen or groin. Hernias can develop due to a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Common risk factors include aging, obesity, pregnancy, prior abdominal surgery, and activities that put repeated pressure on the abdomen. While some hernias cause significant discomfort, others may develop with little or no symptoms, particularly in their early stages.

“Hernias are more common than many people realize, and they don’t always cause immediate symptoms or problems,” said Dr. Chickos. “It’s important not to ignore changes in your body, especially if you experience persistent pain, swelling or digestive issues.”

There are several types of hernias, including inguinal hernias, which occur in the groin—most commonly seen in men though women form these too. Ventral hernias occur in the abdominal wall and include incisional hernias that develop at the site of prior abdominal surgery. Umbilical hernias appear near the belly button, while hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest and are more frequent as people age.

Over time, untreated hernias often grow larger and can lead to more serious complications, including hernia incarceration (where contents won’t go back into the abdominal wall) or strangulation (when the blood supply is compromised to the organs stuck within the hernia. These cases can become life-threatening and are sometimes treated emergently.

“Hernias will not go away on their own,” Dr. Chickos said. “In many cases, patients will ultimately require surgery to repair the weakened area and addressing it sooner can help prevent complications and support a smoother recovery.”

Symptoms vary depending on the type of hernia but may include a visible bulge, discomfort when lifting or bending, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea and vomiting, or constipation.

Advances in surgical techniques have significantly improved treatment options for hernia patients. Minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, allow surgeons to repair hernias using smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery.

“In many cases, we can use robotic-assisted surgery to repair the abdominal wall with greater precision and flexibility,” Dr. Chickos said. “This approach allows us to reinforce the weakened area while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue and helping patients return to their normal routines more quickly.”

Robotic procedures are often associated with less post-surgery pain, reduced complications or infections, and faster recovery times.

Dr. Chickos is a board certified general surgeon at Piedmont Walton Hospital who offers various approaches and techniques of abdominal wall or groin hernia repair, advises individuals to speak with their primary care doctor if they experience symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, a bulge that worsens over time, indigestion, or any of the above mentioned symptoms. If a hernia is diagnosed, early evaluation can help determine the appropriate course of treatment, which may include a referral to Dr. Chickos.