| Definition—a hernia occurs when there
is a tear or opening in the muscles of the abdominal wall. A small
sac containing fat or intra-abdominal contents such as intestines
protrudes through that opening. The repair of a hernia is called
a herniorrhaphy. There are acquired hernias which are caused by straining
over the years and congenital hernias which have resulted from a
weakness in the abdominal wall present since birth. A hernia that
cannot be reduced is incarcerated. If the blood supply of the hernia
contents is compromised this is called a strangulated hernia. A hernia
that develops at the belly button is called an umbilical hernia.
Inguinal hernias develop in the groin. There are two basic types
of inguinal hernias: direct and indirect. An indirect hernia follows
the spermatic cord or round ligament where as a direct hernia protrudes
directly through the muscles of the groin. Femoral hernias protrude
through the femoral canal. A hernia that develops at an incision
is called an incisional hernia. A ventral hernia can occur anywhere
in the abdominal wall where there is a weakness. A hiatal hernia
occurs when the stomach slides through the diaphragm into the chest. |
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| Types of Hernias |
- Acquired Hernias: Caused
by straining over the years.
- Congenital Hernias: The
result from a weakness in the abdominal wall present since birth.
- Incarcerated: A hernia
that cannot be reduced.
- Strangulated Hernia: Occurs
when the blood supply of the hernia contents is compromised.
- Umbilical Hernia: A hernia
that develops at the belly button
- Inguinal Hernias: Develop
in the groin. There are two basic types of inguinal hernias:
direct and indirect. An indirect hernia follows the spermatic
cord or round ligament where as a direct hernia protrudes directly
through the muscles of the groin.
- Femoral Hernia: Protrudes
through the femoral canal.
- Incisional Hernia: A
hernia that develops at an incision.
- Ventral Hernia: Can occur
anywhere in the abdominal wall where there is a weakness.
- Hiatal Hernia: Occurs
when the stomach slides through the diaphragm into the chest.
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| Who is at risk? |
| A hernia can develop in anyone. Young, old, healthy
or not, it makes no difference. Males are approximately five times
more likely to develop groin or inguinal hernias. Femoral hernias
are more common in females. The over all incidence of hernias in
the adult male population is approximately five percent. |
| Are there activities that put me at risk? |
| As a matter of fact there are. Lifting heavy objects,
muscle strains, massive weight gains, chronic constipation, repeated
attacks of coughing or chronic coughing and straining to urinate
are just a few of the risk factors. |
| Where can hernias occur? |
Generally a hernia can occur anywhere in the abdominal
wall. If there is a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall a
hernia can occur. The most common sight of a hernia is in the groin.
Inguinal or groin hernias comprise 80 percent of all hernias
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