HILTON HEAD GENERAL & LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY, PA

SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

 

Richard L. Hussong, Jr, MD

Thomas P. Rzeczycki, MD

Robert L. Soares, Jr, MD

WHAT IS A HERNIA?

A hernia is a protrusion of intestine or internal

fat through a weakness or hole in the

abdominal musculature.

 

WHAT KINDS OF HERNIAS ARE THERE?

INGUINAL—These are hernias of the groin and account for approximately 80% of all hernias.  This type of hernia is more common in men.

FEMORAL—This type of hernia also arises in the groin but presents in the upper thigh.  It accounts for 6% of all hernias and is more common in women.

UMBILICAL—This hernia occurs at the navel or bellybutton and is especially common in infants as well as adults.  Fortunately for children it will often spontaneously close by age two.

EPIGASTRIC—Also called ventral hernias these arise along the midline of the abdomen, especially above the umbilicus.

INCISIONAL—These hernias occur through previous surgical incisions.  Obesity and surgical wound infections increase the risk of developing these kinds of hernias.

HIATAL—A portion of the stomach or other internal organs protrude through a hole in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest and the abdomen.

 

WHO GETS HERNIAS?

Most adult hernias are the result of strain on muscles that have been weakened by age or congenital factors.  Chronic coughing, lifting, constipation, and weight gain have been associated with hernia development.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HERNIA?

Everyone is different so symptoms will vary.  Some hernias may not have any symptoms while others may be associated with a lot of complaints.  Commonly they will present as a bulge that may be accompanied by discomfort or pain.  When the bulge disappears on its own or with some gentle pressure it is called reducible.  If a hernia cannot be pushed back in then it is called incarcerated or non-reducible.  Sometimes a hernia will become incarcerated and the blood supply will get cut off thereby forming a strangulated hernia.  This is usually a very painful bulge and if not treated quickly can become a life threatening emergency.

 

WHEN DOES A HERNIA NEED SURGERY?

Almost all hernias require surgery.  With the exception of umbilical hernias in children hernias do not resolve.   If left unfixed hernias may increase in size, which may make their repair more difficult.  Further, a hernia that strangulates requires emergency surgery, which naturally is associated with more risks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hernias