Hernia Surgery

What is a hernia?
A hernia is a weakness or defect in the connective tissues of the abdominal wall that allows a protrusion of fatty tissue or internal organs through the defect appearing as a bulge beneath the skin. A hernia may gradually increase in size over time getting larger and larger while interfering with daily activities.In some cases, hernia surgery may be needed. There are several types of hernias based on the location.

What causes a hernia?
A hernia may occur on the background of a weakness in the tissues of the abdominal wall formed during development as a fetus or from prior injury. Predisposing factors includes aging, pregnancy, obesity and chronic straining. The hernia is often precipitated by periods of straining of the abdominal muscles as occurs during heavy lifting, pushing or pulling, coughing, sneezing, constipation, or difficult urination.

What are the symptoms?
A hernia typically presents as a bulge beneath the skin in the area of the defect in the abdominal wall. There is often a dull ache associated with the hernia that may precede the appearance of a bulge. The hernia is often reducible meaning that the bulge can be pushed back inside the abdomen or may return inside the abdomen when lying down.

The contents of the hernia can sometimes become trapped outside the abdomen creating a condition called an incarcerated hernia. This may be associated with moderate to severe pain. If the intestine is trapped outside the abdomen in the hernia then this can cause a bowel obstruction resulting in nausea and vomiting in addition to pain.

Trapping of the hernia may progress to a condition known as a strangulated hernia if there is compromise of the blood flow to contents of the hernia. This can result in death of the contained tissues such as the intestine. This is associated with severe pain and is an emergency.

What is the treatment of a hernia?
The treatment is based on the features of the hernia, its impact on your quality of life, and your general state of health. Treatment options may include observation, use of a supportive device, or surgery. Surgery is the only way to fix a hernia. In some cases emergency surgery is required. The treatment option that is right for you will be based on a discussion between you and your surgeon.