Hernias

A hernia is a protrusion of a tissue, structure, or part of an organ through the muscle tissue or the membrane by which it is normally contained. The hernia has three parts: the orifice through which it herniates, the hernial sac, and its contents.

A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall. This bulging is usually more noticeable when the abdominal muscles are tightened, thereby increasing the pressure in the abdomen.

By far the most hernias develop in the abdomen, when a weakness in the abdominal wall evolves into a localized hole, or "defect", through which adipose tissue, or abdominal organs covered with peritoneum, may protrude. Another common hernia involves the spinal discs and causes sciatica.

Hernias can be classified according to their anatomical location:

Hernia Examples include:

abdominal hernias

diaphragmatic hernias and hiatal hernias (for example, paraesophageal hernia of the stomach)

pelvic hernias, for example, obturator hernia

anal hernias

hernias of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs

intracranial hernias

A sportman's hernia is a syndrome characterized by chronic groin pain in athletes and a dilated superficial ring of the inguinal canal, although a true hernia is not present.

Since many organs or parts of organs can herniate through many orifices, it is very difficult to give an exhaustive list of hernias, with all synonyms and eponyms.

Each year, while an estimated 5 million Americans develop hernias, only 700,000 have them surgically repaired. Most physicians believe people avoid treating their hernias because they fear painful surgery. Today, there is little reason to fear. Hernia surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and patients are able to return to most normal activities in a matter of a few days.

It is generally advisable to repair hernias quickly in order to prevent complications such as organ dysfunction, gangrene, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Most abdominal hernias can be surgically repaired, and recovery rarely requires long-term changes in lifestyle. Uncomplicated hernias are principally repaired by pushing back, or "reducing", the herniated tissue, and then mending the weakness in muscle tissue (an operation called herniorrhaphy).

Hernias usually need to be surgically repaired to prevent intestinal damage and further complications. The surgery takes about an hour and is usually performed on an outpatient basis (which means the patient can go home the same day of the procedure). This surgery may be performed by an open repair (small incision over the herniated area) or by laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive). Your surgeon will determine the best method of repair for your individual situation.

Most patients will be able to go home a few hours after surgery. If needed, a 23-hour extended recovery area is available. Typically, most patients feel fine within a few days after the surgery and resume normal eating habits and activities. Strenuous activity and exercise are restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Further Information Regarding Hernias

Common Hernia Symptoms
Hernias are most commonly localized in different areas of the abdomen, especially in the groin area. It appears like a swelling or tearing because the abdominal wall becomes weakened. In time pain can occur especially while lifting heavy objects. The first actual symptoms of an inguinal hernia are bulging, tearing sensation, pain and even a fullness sensation in some cases.

Hiatal Hernia Information
A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are present in approximately 15% of the population, they are associated with symptoms in only a minority of those afflicted.

Hernia Repair Methods
There are two types of hernia repairs the first is a direct hernia when the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall and the bulge is pushed back into place and the other called indirect hernia when the hernia sac is tied off and removed or pushed back because the hernia is going down the inguinal canal.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a birth defect, occurring while the fetus is developing. The opening caused by this defect causes some of the organs that are usually found in the baby's abdomen to move into their chest cavity.