Understanding Hernias: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Have you ever noticed an unusual bulge in your groin or abdomen? That could be a hernia—a common condition where an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area in your muscle or tissue. And while they're usually painless, hernias can cause discomfort and limit your activities.

So, to help you manage this condition, this blog discusses all about hernias. By understanding what they are, you can recognize the signs, seek timely treatment, and make informed decisions to manage your health.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of internal organs or tissues through a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue that normally holds them in place. This results in the formation of a visible bulge or lump, especially when there is increased pressure on the weakened area.

Generally, hernias can occur in different parts of the body, however, abdominal wall hernias are the most common ones that develop.

The Types of Hernia

To fully understand the behavior of hernias and how to effectively treat them, there are a few types you need to take note of first. These include:

1. Inguinal Hernia: The most common hernia type is inguinal, occurring when a portion of the abdominal organs bulges out around the inguinal canal in the groin or through the abdominal wall. Most hernia cases are inguinal and are mainly seen in men due to their natural weakness in this area.
2. Incisional Hernia: This hernia is when the intestine pushes through an existing scar or incision from a previous abdominal surgery. This type is most common in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after their former surgical procedure.
3. Femoral Hernia: Like inguinal hernias, femoral hernias involve the protrusion of abdominal tissue but occur lower in the groin, near the upper thigh. It’s most common in women, especially those who are obese or pregnant.
4. Umbilical Hernia: This type of hernia manifests as a bulge near the navel or belly button, where a part of the abdominal tissue or intestine presses through a worn-down area in the abdominal wall. It’s most common in newborns but also afflicts those who have had many children or obese women.
5. Hiatal Hernia: This hernia happens when the stomach’s upper area pushes into the chest through a diaphragm opening. They are often associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms.
6. Parastomal Hernia: This type of hernia is a common complication after stoma formation, especially in permanent colostomy or ileostomy procedures.
7. Recurrent Hernia: This type occurs when a hernia returns to the same site following a previous hernia repair surgery. When this happens, it greatly increases the complexity of the subsequent repair. If left untreated, you are at risk of severe complications such as the entrapment of the intestines, digestive obstruction, or a loss of blood supply to the intestines.
8. Other Types: Other less common types of hernias include epigastric, lumbar, and obturator hernias, each occurring in specific areas of the body.

Learning the diverse types of hernias is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Whether you’re grappling with common types or rare ones, understanding them equips you and healthcare professionals alike with the knowledge needed for informed care and prevention.

The Causes of Hernia

Hernias can be classified as indirect or direct (acquired), and its common causes can be muscle weakness and straining. Generally, anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can trigger this condition including:

• Lifting heavy objects without engaging the abdominal muscles
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Constant coughing or sneezing
• Fluid accumulation in the body of ascites

Other causes that can contribute to the development of hernia are advanced age, sudden weight gain, obesity, poor nutrition, and smoking as all of these can weaken your muscles.

Who is at Risk of Getting Hernias?

Hernias can happen to anyone, affecting both men and women of any age. However, those with weakened tissues are more susceptible to this condition and they include:

• Children born prematurely
• Adults with chronic cough or chronic constipation
• Heavy smokers
• Those with previous surgical incisions
• Those who suffer from obesity
• Pregnant women
• Those who engage in heavy lifting and straining

All types of hernias present with a bulge which can be associated with pain, especially with prolonged straining or walking. Less common types of hernia also present lower back pain especially when coughing.

To definitively know if you have a hernia, undergo a physical exam with your healthcare provider. At times, hernia swelling is visible when you stand upright so your doctor can check for it right away. Usually, the hernia can be felt if you place your hand directly over it and then bear down.

If needed, your doctor can advise you to get an ultrasound, abdominal X-ray, barium X-ray, CT Scan, or Endoscopy to confirm your condition. Doing so lets them create a treatment plan catering to your unique needs.

The Possible Complications of Having a Hernia

Complications usually arise when the herniated organ does not return spontaneously to its original cavity or cannot be reduced manually. When this happens, it’s classified as an incarcerated hernia, which requires the immediate attention of a physician to assess if the blood flow to the herniated organ has been compromised.

If this complication is not treated, the hernia can lead to gangrene and overwhelming systemic infection or sepsis.

The Available Treatments for Hernia?

Surgery remains the mainstay treatment for hernia, especially if the bulge becomes larger or causes you discomfort or pain. The basic steps to treatment are:

• Reduction of the herniated organ
• Management of the hernial sac
• Closure of the defect or placement of a synthetic mesh for a tension-free repair—-which eventually strengthens the wall of the involved site

Here at The Medical City, we offer Hernia repair that can be done with either open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted surgery. Of course, the procedures are done based on the diagnosis of your hernia, so you must discuss the right type of repair method with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, timely medical intervention can lead to effective treatment and reduce the risk of complications. Just remember to always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance based on your health conditions.