Hernias

What is a hernia?

What problems can a hernia cause?

What can be done about my hernia?

What types of hernia do you treat?

 A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weak spot in the surrounding tissue. Hernias are most commonly found in the abdomen or groin area, where they often create a noticeable lump or bulge.

Hernias are named based on their location:

• Inguinal hernia: The most common type in the groin.
• Femoral hernia: Another type that also occurs in the groin.
• Umbilical or paraumbilical hernia: Found around the belly button.
• Epigastric hernia: Located in the middle of the abdomen, just above the belly button.
• Incisional hernia: Develops through a weakness in the abdominal wall where a previous surgical incision was made.

Hernias can also occur internally, where organs shift from one area to another, but these are not visible externally. One example is a hiatus hernia, which happens when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. This type of hernia often affects the junction between the esophagus and the stomach and may not produce any symptoms, although it can lead to acid reflux.

Hernias can cause pain or discomfort in the area of the bulge, and some people may feel self-conscious about the appearance their hernia. Symptoms often worsen with physical activity and can become more pronounced after a long day on your feet. Activities that put strain on the abdominal muscles, such as weightlifting, or straining during bowel movements can make the hernia protrude more. As a result, some individuals may avoid certain activities because of this discomfort.

In some cases, the internal organs can become trapped in the hernia, which is known as incarceration. If this happens, it can block or damage the organs. For example, if a portion of the bowel gets stuck, it can lead to a blockage, which is a serious medical emergency.

If you notice that your hernia becomes painful, tender to the touch, or firm, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately, as these symptoms can indicate a life-threatening situation.

 When it comes to managing a hernia, the primary options are:

• Monitoring
• Wearing a support or truss
• Surgery

• Once a hernia develops, it will not resolve on its own.
• The only permanent solution to a hernia is surgical repair.

Choosing whether to undergo surgery is a personal decision. It involves weighing the benefits of repairing the hernia against the risks associated with the procedure.

• When Monitoring May Be Best:
  If the hernia is small and not causing symptoms, monitoring it might be preferable.
• When Surgery May Be Considered:
  If the hernia is painful, bothersome, or affecting your daily life, surgery may be a good option.

Benefits:

• Relieving symptoms and improving the hernia’s appearance.
• Eliminating the risk of emergency complications, such as bowel obstruction.

Risks:

As with any surgery, hernia repair carries some general risks, including:

• Bleeding, infection, or blood clots (in the legs or lungs).
• Damage to nearby tissues.
• Recurrence of the hernia after it has been fixed.
• Risks associated with anesthesia (modern anesthesia is generally very safe).

Specific risks can vary depending on the hernia’s location. For instance:

• Groin hernias:
  • Potential damage to nearby nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or persistent nerve pain.
  • In males, there’s a small risk of damage to the blood supply to the testicle or the sperm-carrying tube.

Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits tailored to your specific hernia and overall health.

For those who choose not to undergo surgery—or for whom surgery poses high risks—a support or truss may be an effective alternative.

• What is a truss?
  • A truss is a specially designed support that can be purchased over the counter or custom-made to provide precise relief.
• When to use a truss:
  • To help relieve symptoms
  • If you are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery.

Supports can help alleviate discomfort and provide stability but do not eliminate the hernia.

Deciding on the best approach depends on your symptoms, overall health, and personal preferences. Speak with your surgeon to explore the options and find the most suitable solution for your situation.

 We provide expert assessment and treatment for a variety of hernia types, including:

• Groin hernias:
  • Inguinal hernias
  • Femoral hernias
• Belly button hernias:
  • Umbilical hernias
  • Paraumbilical hernias
• Other abdominal hernias:
  • Epigastric hernias
  • Spigelian hernias
• Hernias following abdominal surgery:
  • Incisional hernias

We offer both keyhole (laparoscopic) and open surgery techniques for hernia repair, tailored to your specific condition.

We also specialize in treating hiatus hernias, which are often associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

We are here to help you explore the most effective treatment options for your needs.