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Hernia




A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias occur in the abdomen. There are several types of hernias, including
  • Inguinal, the most common type, is in the groin
  • Umbilical, around the belly button
  • Incisional, through a scar
  • Hiatal, a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest.
  • Congenital diaphragmatic, a birth defect that needs surgery
Hernias are common. They can affect men, women and children. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia.

The usual treatment for a hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. Untreated hernias can cause pain and health problems.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Usually, there is no obvious cause of a hernia, although they are sometimes associated with heavy lifting. Hernias can be seen in infants and children. This can happen when the lining around the abdominal organs does not close properly before birth. About 5 out of 100 children have inguinal hernias (more boys than girls). Some may not have symptoms until adulthood. If you have any of the following, you are more likely to develop a hernia:
  • Family history of hernias
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Undescended testicles
  • Extra weight
  • Chronic cough
  • Chronic constipation, straining to have bowel movements
  • Enlarged prostate, straining to urinate
Symptoms
  • Groin discomfort or groin pain aggravated by bending or lifting
  • A tender groin lump or scrotum lump
  • A non-tender bulge or lump in children
Treatment

Most hernias can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. However, if it cannot be pushed back through the abdominal wall, this can lead to a strangulated loop of intestine. If left untreated, this portion of the intestine dies because of loss of blood supply. Almost all hernias require surgery, preferably before complications occur, to reposition the herniated loop of intestine and secure the weakened muscles in the abdomen. Hernia repair is performed as an outpatient procedure using local or general anesthesia. First, through an incision, the segment of bowel is placed back into the abdominal cavity. Next, the muscle and fascia are stitched closed to repair the hernia. A piece of plastic mesh is often used to reinforce the defect in the abdominal wall.

Prevention
  • Use proper lifting techniques.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Relieve or avoid constipation by eating plenty of fiber, drinking lots of fluid, going to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge, and exercising regularly.


Information obtained from National Institute of Health
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