Hernias
What is a Hernia
Signs and Symptoms of Hernias
A hernia is a bulging or protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. The more common abdominal hernias are groin hernias (which can be over the inguinal or femoral region) or abdominal wall hernias (ventral, umbilical/belly button, supraumbilical/above the belly button). Hernias can also develop after surgery if a weak point develops over the incision site.
Multiple factors contribute to the development of a hernia. There are genetic, environmental and patient-specific factors that all contribute to a hernia developing. Straining, chronic cough, smoking, constipation, heavy lifting, and many other activities may predispose to hernias forming. Once a hernia develops, most of the time, surgery is required.
Treatment Options for Hernias
Abdominal wall defects or hernias may develop spontaneously or following any abdominal procedures. These may be quite small or extensive, where the patient has a large defect in which abdominal contents bulge out. In small to moderate-size hernias, the repair may require a suture technique or, more commonly, a combination of a suture with either a graft or mesh may be required. Occasionally additional treatments such as preoperative botox, weight loss strategies and exercise plans may be required.
Dr Urquhart is a specialist in hernia repair surgery and can discuss all the options with you.