Hernia Overview
Both men and women can get a hernia, and some may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time. A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.
Both men and women can get a hernia, and some may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time. A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.
The wall of the human abdomen has natural areas of potential weakness. Hernias can develop at these or other areas due to heavy strain on the abdominal wall, aging, injury, an old incision or a weakness present from birth. Anyone can develop a hernia at any age. Most hernias in children are congenital. In adults, a natural weakness or strain from heavy lifting, persistent coughing, and difficulty with bowel movements or urination can cause the abdominal wall to weaken or separate. The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), lateral (Spigelian) and the site of a previous treatment or surgical operation (incisional).
A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. At times, a hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require surgery.
Both men and women can get a hernia, and some may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time. A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.
It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during urination or bowel movements, or during prolonged standing or sitting. The pain may be sharp and immediate or a dull ache that gets worse toward the end of the day. Severe, continuous pain, redness, and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and if you experience them, you should immediately contact your physician.
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The most common type of hernia is the inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias occur when soft tissue protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall. Symptoms include bulging around pubic bone, a burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge, groin pain or discomfort when lifting objects, coughing or bending over, and weakness or pressure at the site of the bulge.
Patients typically present to their primary care physicians with pain and discomfort and are referred to a surgeon for consultation. The surgeon will do a physical exam and ultrasound to confirm the hernia and determine if the patient is an appropriate candidate for hernia repair surgery.
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A femoral hernia is a bulge located near the groin and thigh that occurs when a small part of intestine pushes through the wall of the femoral canal. The femoral canal houses the femoral artery, smaller veins, and nerves. It is located just below the inguinal ligament in the groin. You may not even realize you have a femoral hernia in some cases. Small- to moderate-sized hernias do not usually cause any symptoms. In many cases, you may not even see the bulge of a small femoral hernia.
Large hernias may be more noticeable and can cause some discomfort. A bulge may be visible in the groin area near your upper thigh. The bulging may become worse and can cause pain when you stand up, lift heavy objects, or strain in any way. Hip pain can also be a symptom of a femoral hernia due to its location.
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An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. Umbilical hernias are common and typically harmless. If they cause pain and discomfort or are tender to the touch then you should seek medical care right away.
Umbilical Hernias are very common among pregnant women or women that have had previous pregnancies. Overweight individuals have an increased risk for developing umbilical hernias due to the excess pressure on the abdominal cavity.
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An incisional hernia occurs at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. Typically the incision is vertical (up and down) and is common in those who are overweight, elderly, have used steroids, have had lung complications after surgery, have had a wound infection after surgery or have had more than one surgery using the same incision.
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Ventral hernias may occur anywhere on the abdominal wall. The most common location is the midline. They are may be composed of fatty tissue or intestines. Ventral hernias can develop as a result of an increase in intra-abdominal pressure from lifting or straining.
Occurs when fat pushes through a weak part of the belly wall.
Not to be confused with lumbar disc hernia, is classified into two categories:
A rare type of hernia in the abdominal wall in which abdominal content protrudes through the obturator foramen.
A combined direct and indirect hernia, when the hernial sac protrudes on either side of the inferior epigastric vessels.
A hernia involving only one sidewall of the bowel, which can result in bowel strangulation leading to perforation through ischemia without causing bowel obstruction or any of its warning signs.
Is a hernia through the spigelian fascia, which is the aponeurotic layer between the rectus abdominis muscle medially, and the semilunar line laterally.
It is a syndrome characterized by chronic groin pain in athletes and a dilated superficial ring of the inguinal canal.
A defect or hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal contents to move into the chest cavity.
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