A hernia (or “rupture”) occurs where there is a weakness in the wall of the abdomen. As a result, some of the contents within the abdomen can then bulge (push through) under the skin. This leads to a feeling of a soft lump or swelling under the skin.
Hernias can occur in anyone. Men are more likely to have inguinal hernias, as they have a small tunnel in the tissues of their groins which occurred when they were developing as a baby. This tunnel allowed the testes to come down from the abdomen into the scrotum. Intestinal tissue can also pass into this tunnel, forming an inguinal hernia.
Hernias in adults may arise as a result of the strain which raises the pressure in the abdomen causing a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall. This can be caused by:
Persistent coughing.
Being overweight or pregnant.
Lifting, carrying or pushing heavy loads.
Straining on the toilet.
Types
Different types of hernia can occur. The most common types are listed here:
Inguinal hernia
This occurs when some tissue pushes through the lower abdomen in the groin. This is the most common type of hernia, accounting for more than three out of every four hernias. They usually occur in men. They can occur in both sides of the body. These hernias often occur after heavy lifting, during which you may experience a sharp pain in the groin and notice the appearance of a swelling.
Femoral hernia
This also occurs when some tissue pushes through in the groin, a little lower down than where an inguinal hernia occurs. They occur more commonly in women. They tend to be smaller than inguinal hernias.
Incisional hernia
This occurs when tissue pushes through a previous scar or wound. They are more common if you have had a scar in the past that has not healed well. For example, if the wound had an infection after the operation. They usually occur within two years of having an operation.
Umbilical and paraumbilical hernias
These occur when some tissue pushes through the abdomen near to the umbilicus (belly button). Umbilical hernias are present from birth and, if they need treatment, then they are usually repaired in childhood. In most cases of umbilical hernia, the hernia goes back in and the muscles re-seal on their own before the baby is one year old. They are usually only treated if they are large, as small ones cause no problems and do not need repairing.
Paraumbilical hernias occur in adults and appear above the umbilicus. Although they are usually small, they usually need repairing because there is a risk of intestines contained within them becoming strangulated (see below).
Sometimes a hernia is noticed after a strain – for example, after lifting a heavy object. Sometimes one may develop for no good reason and you may simply notice a small lump that has develop, usually in the groin area. Usually, at first, the lump can be pushed back, but may pop out after straining again. Coughing is a common strain that brings them out. The swelling often disappears when you lie down.
Hernias are not usually painful, but many people feel an ache over a hernia which worsens after doing any activity. In time, they might become bigger as the gap in their muscle or ligament tissue becomes larger. Sometimes, in men, they track down into the scrotum.
Treatment to fix it is usually advised for two reasons:
It may gradually become bigger and more uncomfortable.
There is a small chance it might strangulate. A hernia strangulates when too much intestine (bowel) has come through the gap in the muscle or ligament and then it becomes squeezed. This can cut off the blood supply to the portion of intestine in the hernia. This can lead to severe pain and some damage to the part of the intestines in the hernia. A strangulated hernia is uncommon and is usually dealt with by emergency surgery. However, it is preferable to have the hernia fixed by routine rather than by emergency surgery.
A hernia can be fixed by a small operation. Wearing a truss (support) was used in the past but is now not recommended.
The type of operation will depend on the type of hernia that you have. A brief overview is given below. There are now various different ways of repairing a hernia which will depend on many factors. For example, the type of hernia, the size of the hernia, your general health. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the type of operation with you in more detail.
Inguinal hernia repair
This is usually done by a “key-hole” operation as the recovery is quicker compared to having an open operation. The operation is performed through three tiny cuts, the largest of which is only around 1.5 cm in size.
It is more common that inguinal hernias be repaired by using a mesh. This is a thin sheet of material which is usually stitched or glued over the hole of the hernia. This has been shown to be stronger and more effective than sewing the edges of the hole together for inguinal hernias. With time, the mesh safely becomes incorporated into the muscle layer, which results in a very strong, permanent repair.
Femoral hernia repair
As the hole through which a femoral hernia has to pass is very tight, there is a significant chance that any bowel that passes into it will become strangulated. This means that a femoral repair should be repaired early. Like inguinal hernias, femoral hernias are usually repaired using a mesh.
Incisional hernia repair
Incisional hernias vary enormously in size which means that treatment may differ depending on the size of the incisional hernia. Again, a mesh is usually used, especially for larger hernias.
Umbilical and paraumbilical hernia repair
Most umbilical hernias do not need repairing. Smaller hernias are usually repaired by an operation which simply closes the defect with stitches. However, umbilical and parumbilical hernias over 2 cm in length are usually repaired by using a mesh.
Newer techniques mean that people tend to be off work for much shorter periods than in the past. Even workers in heavy work can often be back in two weeks. The operation is usually very successful. However, hernias can recur in a small number of people, when a further operation may be advised.
Watch our valued client Isobel Grayson talking about her experience having Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy by Mr Sanjay Agrawal at The London Obesity Group clinic in London.
Before
AfterWatch our valued client Jane Round taking about her experience having Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy by Mr Sanjay Agrawal at The London Obesity Group clinic in London.
Before
AfterPlease provide us with a few information or call us on 07876 618424 and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help with your request.
27 Harley Street, London W1G 9QP
Stepney Green, London E1 4NL
Ilford, Essex IG4 5PZ
Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5HX
Harlow, Hertfordshire CM21 0HH
Brentwood Essex CM15 8EH
0% Finance options Available... 
ENG
Arabic
French
Chinese
