Hernia

Overview

A hernia is an ailment in which a body part, like the intestine, bulges out beyond its normal boundary. The thin lining of the cavity gives way to the portions of intestine or abdominal fatty tissue to bulge out of the abdominal wall.

Types

• Groin (inguinal) Hernia: It accounts for most of the hernias of the abdominal wall, occur in the groin, area where the thigh meets the body
• Femoral Hernia: It is a bulge that occurs below the junction of thigh and torso.
• Umbilical Hernia: When the abdominal wall doesn't close properly before the birth of the baby, the belly button protrudes with this hernia, which can appear later in life, as well.
• Incisional Hernia: An incision during surgery can weaken the abdominal wall enough to allow a hernia at the site.
• Spigelian Hernia: A rare hernia occurring on the side of the abdomen.
• Obturator Hernia: A rare hernia occurring in women's pelvic cavity, very difficult to diagnose.
• Epigastric Hernia: This occurs between the bottom ribs and the navel and is a hernia of fat.

Symptoms

Sometimes a hernia occurrence has no symptoms. A bulge can appear and settle back into the body without causing pain whereas in some cases, the bulge is immovable and is quite painful. If there's little pain and the lump can be pushed back, it's a reducible hernia. If it cannot be pushed back, it becomes a strangulated hernia causing serious problems. A strangulated hernia remains protruded and causes pain. Symptoms of a bowel obstruction, such as nausea and vomiting, are followed by this type of hernia as the blood supply to the intestine is cut off or strangulated.

Causes/Risk Factors

In some cases, babies are born with abdominal hernias, but most of the hernia develops later in life. If there is a family history of hernia, you are more likely to develop the condition. Anything that puts pressure on the abdomen can cause a hernia, like obesity, lifting heavy objects, coughing and even the pressure caused by straining during a bowel movement. A disease, such as chronic lung disease, or a disorder that leads to fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity can contribute to a hernia.

Tests/Diagnosis

Most hernias can be diagnosed just by a visual examination. The bulge is an indication of the presence of a hernia. But sometimes there's a persistent ache in the lower abdomen or groin with no visible bulge. In such a case, the doctor inspects the area by increasing the abdominal pressure by asking the patient to cough or stand or other examining methods.

Treatment

Almost all hernias, even the minor ones, can be repaired surgically because they tend to strangulate, if neglected. A strangulated hernia needs to be repaired in less than six hours to avoid the patient losing bowel to gangrene. In the case of large hernias, which are difficult to treat surgically, support trusses or binders to keep the hernia inside the abdominal wall are used.