What is hernia
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or other
body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains
it. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal
wall. Hernias usually do not get healed
on their own, and surgery may be the only way to repair them. However, your
doctor will recommend the best therapy to address your hernia, and may refer
you to a surgeon. If the surgeon thinks it is necessary to repair your hernia,
then the surgeon will tailor the method of repair that best meets your needs.
An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or other
piece of tissue protrudes through a weakening in one of the muscle walls that
encloses the abdominal cavity.
A hernia usually shows up as a bulge in the
abdomen, upper thigh, belly button and groin areas.
What are the different types of hernia?
Inguinal hernia – The most common type of hernia;
it’s more common in men than women. This is because a man’s testicles descend
through the inguinal canal shortly after birth, and the canal is supposed to
close almost completely behind them. It develops in the inner groin region
(inguinal canal).
Incisional hernia – Can occur from previous
incision (after you’ve had an abdominal surgery).
Femoral hernia – Can occur in outer groin region.
Umbilical hernia – Can occur in children and babies
under 6 months old at abdominal wall near the bellybutton/navel.
Hiatal hernia – Can occur when the upper stomach
squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm.
What causes hernias?
Ultimately, all hernias are caused by a combination
of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or fascia; the pressure pushes
an organ or tissue through the opening or weak spot. Sometimes, the muscle
weakness is present at birth; more often, it occurs later in life. Anything
that causes an increase in pressure with muscle weakness in the abdomen can
cause a hernia, including:
Lifting heavy objects without stabilising the
abdominal muscles
Diarrhoea or constipation
Persistent coughing or sneezing
In addition, obesity, poor nutrition, and smoking,
can all weaken muscles and make hernias more likely.
How common are hernias?
People from the 40-70 year age group are most prone
to develop hernia. Male to female ratio is normally 7:1.
How is hernia detected?
A physical exam is usually all that’s needed to
diagnose a hernia. Your doctor will check for a bulge in the area. Because
standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you’ll likely be asked
to stand and cough or strain.
What are the symptoms of hernia?
There are three kinds of symptoms of hernia; each
of these are explained below:
Reducible hernia
It may appear as a new lump in the groin or other
abdominal area.
It may ache but is not tender when touched.
Sometimes pain precedes the discovery of the lump.
The lump increases in size when standing or when
abdominal pressure is increased (such as coughing).
It may be reduced (pushed back into the abdomen)
unless very large.
Irreducible hernia
It may be an occasionally painful enlargement of a
previously reducible hernia that cannot be returned into the abdominal cavity
on its own or when you push it.
Some may be chronic (occur over a long term)
without pain.
An irreducible hernia is also known as an
incarcerated hernia.
It can lead to strangulation (blood supply being
cut off to tissue in the hernia).
Signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction may occur,
such as nausea and vomiting.
Strangulated hernia
This is an irreducible hernia in which the
entrapped intestine has its blood supply cut off.
Pain is always present, followed quickly by
tenderness and sometimes symptoms of bowel obstruction (nausea and vomiting).
The affected person may appear ill with or without
fever.
This condition is a surgical emergency.