A bulge or discomfort along the side of your abdomen can be more than a cosmetic concern. A flank hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of the lateral abdominal wall, sometimes after surgery, trauma, or another event that disrupts the muscles in this area.
Because flank hernias develop near important muscles, nerves, ribs, and the pelvis, repair can be more complex than treatment for many other abdominal hernias. At NYC Hernia, Dr. Brian Jacob, MD, FACS, focuses much of his surgical practice on hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction. He has performed thousands of hernia procedures and is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
What Is a Flank Hernia?
A flank hernia is an abdominal wall hernia that develops along the side of the torso rather than near the center of the abdomen or groin. These hernias may be primary, but many develop after an incision through the lateral abdominal wall.
Prior procedures involving the kidneys, spine, or other nearby structures can sometimes weaken the abdominal wall. Trauma may also damage muscle or connective tissue and create an area where abdominal contents can protrude.
Symptoms may include:
How Is a Flank Hernia Diagnosed?
Dr. Jacob begins with a medical history and physical examination. Understanding prior abdominal, kidney, or spinal operations can be particularly important because the location and direction of an earlier incision may help explain the defect.
Imaging such as a CT scan may be used to identify the hernia’s size and location and evaluate the surrounding abdominal wall. This information also helps with surgical planning.
How Is Flank Hernia Repair Performed?
Flank hernia repair focuses on restoring support to a challenging area of the abdominal wall. Depending on the anatomy of the defect, repair may involve an open, laparoscopic, robotic, or combined surgical approach.
Mesh may be used to reinforce weakened tissue. The surgical plan depends on factors such as:
Hernia size and location
Previous operations
Quality of the surrounding muscle and fascia
Presence of scar tissue
Symptoms
Overall health
Because lateral abdominal wall anatomy differs from the central abdomen, there is no single repair that is appropriate for every flank hernia.
What Is Recovery Like After Flank Hernia Surgery?
Recovery depends on the extent of the hernia and the type of repair performed. Walking is usually encouraged during early recovery, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting may be restricted as the abdominal wall heals.
Patients receive instructions regarding incision care, physical activity, pain management, and returning to work. More extensive abdominal wall reconstruction may require a longer recovery than repair of a smaller defect.
Why Choose NYC Hernia for Flank Hernia in New York, NY?
Flank hernias can demand a detailed understanding of abdominal wall anatomy because the defect may sit close to bone, nerves, and muscles needed for normal movement. Dr. Jacob has devoted the majority of his career to hernia surgery and groin pain, giving him extensive experience evaluating uncommon and complex hernia patterns.
He is the founder and president of the International Hernia Collaboration and has contributed extensively to surgical education, peer-reviewed publications, textbooks, and professional hernia organizations. Dr. Jacob also serves on the Board of Governors of the Americas Hernia Society and has been recognized by Castle Connolly and New York Magazine as a Top Doctor from 2012 through 2026.
Get Specialized Care for a Flank Hernia in NYC
A flank hernia can become uncomfortable, interfere with activity, and create a challenging abdominal wall defect. Careful evaluation can clarify the anatomy and determine which type of repair makes sense for your specific condition.
For specialized flank hernia care, book a consultation with Dr. Brian Jacob at NYC Hernia in New York, NY. Call 212-879-6677 or schedule online (opens in new tab).
