Inguinal and umbilical hernias
Hernias are weak points in the abdominal wall through which fat or abdominal organs push outwards. They make themselves known as protrusions and are most commonly seen in adult males. In children, they are often congenital. In most cases they present no symptoms, but sometimes they can cause a dragging sensation or be painful. The only long-term treatment method is to surgically close the gap in the abdominal wall. If the intestine gets trapped in the hernial orifice, this is an emergency. There is a risk that the intestine will become necrotic without surgery.
What kinds of hernia are there?
Hernias or ruptures are very common symptoms. They arise where the connective tissue of the abdominal wall is weak. This is the case with the groin, the navel or at the sites of old scars. The intestines or fatty tissue can be pushed outwards through the gap in the abdominal wall. The following hernia types exist:
- Inguinal hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Incisional hernia
The inguinal hernia is the most common kind of hernia, and 80% of those affected are men.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
Most patients with inguinal or umbilical hernias only notice a bulge but otherwise have no complaints. A pain-free protrusion can be pushed back into place, but will quickly re-emerge. A slight pull, feeling of pressure or pain are signs that the tissue in the hernial sac is under compression. This is often the case during physical exertion. If the patient experiences increased pain with fever or vomiting, this is a warning sign. The intestine can become trapped at the hernial orifice and become necrotic.
What happens in a hernia operation?
Hernia surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures. During the surgery, the weak point in the abdominal wall is sewn up, or a synthetic mesh is inserted. There are two options for the operation:
- Open abdominal surgery
- Minimally invasive procedure (laparoscopy)
The choice of surgical technique depends on the size and location of the hernia and the patient’s needs. The minimally invasive procedure is gentler on the body. The recovery time is shorter and the pain slightly less than with open abdominal surgery.