|
| |
About Hernias
 |
A hernia is an
opening or weakness in the supportive tissues of the wall of the
abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall because
of protrusion of an internal organ and is usually more noticeable
when the abdominal muscles are tightened. Examples of activities
that can cause or aggravate a hernia are heavy lifting, coughing, or
straining to have a bowel movement or urinate. Symptoms of a hernia
include pain or discomfort and a localized swelling somewhere on the
surface of the abdomen or in the groin area. |
This may be accompanied
by nausea and vomiting, particularly if the bowel is involved.
Serious complications from a hernia can result from the trapping of
tissues in the hernia. This is called incarceration. Trapped tissues
may have their blood supply cut off, leading to damage or death of
the tissue (strangulation) and necessitating emergency surgery. The
most common location for hernias in men and women is the groin area
(Inguinal Hernia). Hernias may also occur in the abdominal wall
(Ventral Hernia), the navel (Umbilical Hernia) or immediately below
the groin in the upper thigh (Femoral Hernia). Rarely, hernias occur
within the abdominal cavity (Internal Hernia). With current
minimally invasive surgical techniques and modern anesthesia, hernia
surgery is
safe and effective
|
|
