A hernia develops when an internal organ, such as the intestine, protrudes through a weakened muscle wall, leading to the formation of a soft lump.
Symptoms
- Experiencing sudden pain while straining or lifting, which typically subsides after an initial period of discomfort.
- Detecting a soft lump in the lower abdomen or groin area, depending on the type of hernia.
- Observing the lump appearing and disappearing as the internal organ moves in and out of the muscle wall gap.
- Noticing the lump disappearing completely when lying down or becoming more prominent when coughing or sneezing, accompanied by possible pain.
Hernias are categorized by location, with the inguinal and femoral being the most common types.
Types of Hernia
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when internal tissue, such as fat, muscle, or intestine, protrudes through a weakened section of the abdominal wall. This condition leads to pain, discomfort, and potential complications.
- Symptoms: Groin pain during exercise, coughing, or sneezing.
- Visible swelling or lump in the groin area.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernias are the next most common type, located slightly lower at the top of the leg. They are more prevalent in women and usually smaller compared to inguinal hernias.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias develop near the belly button and are often present from birth. If necessary, they can be repaired during childhood.
Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernias occur when tissue protrudes through a previous wound or scar. They are more common if the scar has not healed properly or if there was an infection. Typically, they occur within two years of the initial injury.
Hiatus Hernia
Hiatus hernias happen when part of the intestines pushes upward from the abdomen into the chest cavity through a hole in the diaphragm.
What causes a hernia?
Consultant Surgeon, Mr David Lloyd, provides a concise explanation of a hernia:
Hernias have a higher prevalence in men than in women, with approximately 1 in 4 men experiencing a hernia during their lifetime, compared to only 3 out of 100 women.
While hernias often develop as a result of sudden strain or force, such as heavy lifting, they can also occur without any apparent cause.
Risk Factors for Hernia Development
Several factors contribute to the likelihood of hernia development:
- Age: Increased susceptibility with advancing age.
- Weight: being overweight or obese escalates the risk.
- Persistent Coughing: Long-term coughing can strain the abdominal wall, creating potential problems.
- Chronic Constipation: This prolonged condition may also contribute to hernia formation.
Treatment
Although most hernias don’t demand immediate treatment, surgeons usually recommend repair to prevent size increase and discomfort. Without treatment, complications such as strangulation can occur.
The standard repair operation, typically lasting an hour, allows patients to return home the next day and resume work within a week. The repair commonly includes mesh usage to mend the abdominal wall hole.
Strangulated hernia
While hernias are typically more of an inconvenience than a serious threat, it is crucial to have them evaluated by a medical professional. This is because, in some instances, hernias can become “strangulated.”
When a part of the intestine protrudes through the hole in the muscle wall, it can become constricted, leading to a disruption in blood supply to the affected tissues.
This constriction can eventually cause tissue death, which becomes a medical emergency. In other cases, hernias can cause bowel obstruction, requiring urgent medical intervention.
