Hernia
A hernia occurs when contents of the abdomen (such as part of the intestines) push through a weakened area of the muscle and connective tissue. Common types include umbilical and inguinal hernias. Less common are epigastric and femoral hernias.
Symptoms may range from a painless bulge to considerable pain, swelling, and discolouration. Treatment will normally involve surgery to push the herniated tissue back into the abdominal space, and repair the weakened abdominal wall.
Serious complications can occur when hernias become incarcerated or irreducible (ie: can’t be pushed back through the abdominal wall) which can lead to a strangulated hernia, where the blood supply to the hernia is cut off. A strangulated hernia is a surgical emergency requiring an urgent operation.
Inguinal hernias
Approximately 75-80% of all hernias are inguinal hernias, which can occur in people of any age. Approximately 90% of all inguinal hernia repairs are performed on men.
Inguinal hernias occur as a result of a defect in the inguinal canal – a tubular passage that runs through the lower abdominal muscles in the groin, close to where the abdomen and the thigh join. The defect allows abdominal tissue (usually a short length of intestine) to push out.
Umbilical hernias
Umbilical hernias most commonly occur in infants but may also develop in adults. They are characterised by bulging around the belly button and may be more pronounced when the infant cries or coughs.
In infants, umbilical hernias are normally painless but they may cause discomfort for adults. Most infants’ umbilical hernias will close of their own accord by age 1 or 2 years. However, surgical repair may be required if they haven’t disappeared by age 4 years, or if they develop in adults.
