|
What is a hernia?
A hernia is sometimes described as a 'rupture’ and is found commonly as a lump in the groin area. This type of hernia is referred to by doctors as a 'primary inguinal hernia’. A hernia develops when a loop of the gut bulges out through a weakened part of the abdominal wall.
However, hernias can occur at different sites around the abdominal wall. Hernias can occur at any age and affect both men and women.
|
|
 |
|
What causes hernias?
Hernias are caused, most probably, by congenital (present at birth), or age-related weaknesses in the abdominal wall. They can occur also, as a result of strenuous activity or excessive strain, for example, by heavy lifting, or with pregnancy. Often, they just seem to happen.
Types of hernia
A hernia is most often a protrusion of the intestine through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. At The University Hernia Clinic, we repair the following types of hernia:
|
|
|
Inguinal hernias
An inguinal hernia affects both men and women. It is the most common type of hernia (affecting maybe 2-3% of the population), usually presenting as a lump in the groin.
The lump may disappear on lying flat or may be pushed back, only to reappear with standing, coughing or straining. It can cause discomfort and tends to increase in size, with time.
Occasionally, the hernia can become ‘stuck', or very painful, when urgent surgery might be necessary.
|
|
 |
|
Femoral hernias
A femoral hernia is more common in women than men (although less common than an inguinal hernia in both).
It usually presents as a lump lower in the groin, near the skin crease towards the top of the thigh. It is more likely to become ‘stuck’ than an inguinal hernia and should be repaired by surgery, promptly.
|
|
 |
|
Epigastric hernias
An epigastric hernia is caused by weakening of the muscles in the central, upper abdomen, causing a lump or bulge to appear anywhere between the breastbone and the navel.
The lump can be quite small or extremely large and tends to be more common in middle age. It is best repaired by surgery.
|
|
 |
|
Umbilical hernias
An umbilical hernia occurs at, or just around, the navel. Although very common in children, in adults, it is most common in women, often in those who have had children.
|
|
 |
|
Incisional hernias
An incisional hernia may occur at any site where an operation has been perfomed previously.
The scar represents a weakened area, which if stretched over time, may allow the underlying intestines to bulge through. Repair is often necessary.
|
|
 |
|
How do I know if I have a hernia?
You may notice a lump in the groin area (or elsewhere) which causes mild to moderate discomfort. On lying flat, or with pressure on the lump, it often disappears, only to return when standing, exercising, lifting or coughing.
What if I ignore my hernia?
Generally, a hernia that can be pushed back easily, or flattened, is not an immediate danger to your health, although it can be uncomfortable.
However, an untreated hernia will not ‘get better’ on its' own. If left untreated, it is likely that it will continue to increase in size over time and become increasingly painful. Sometimes, hernias can become ‘strangulated’, cutting off the blood supply to the gut which causes, in turn, an acute blockage. This may lead to perforation of the bowel, which then allows bacteria to escape into the abdomen and causes peritonitis. Potentially, this is a life-threatening situation which requires emergency surgery. The main symptom is usually severe pain over the hernia bulge, often with reddening of the overlying skin.
What can I do to prevent getting a hernia?
Probably nothing. Hernias are very common and are experienced by many people (approximately 120,000 per year in the United Kingdom), with both active and inactive lifestyles.
|
|
|
|
