Home Patient Consumer Info Surgical Conditions Hernia

Surgical Conditions

Hernias

A hernia is a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall. It may be present from
birth, or develop over a period of time. If the defect is large enough, abdominal
contents such as the bowels, may protrude through the defect causing a lump or
bulge felt by the patient.

Hernias develop at certain sites which have a natural tendency to be weak; the
groin, umbilicus (belly button), and previous surgical incisions.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lump in groin area when standing/straining & disappears when reclining
• Pain at the site of the lump, especially when lifting a heavy object
• Swelling of the scrotum
• Excruciating abdominal pain (if you have strangulation)
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite & pain (if intestinal obstruction occurs)

Course of hernia

Once a hernia has developed, it will tend to enlarge and cause discomfort. If a
loop of bowel gets caught in the hernia, it may become obstructed or its blood
supply may be cut off. This could then become a life-threatening situation. Since
hernias can be repaired effectively and with minimal risk, most surgeons therefore
recommend that hernias be repaired when diagnosed, unless there is serious
medical problem which makes it too risky.

Treatment

Hernia repair (Surgery)

The standard method of hernia repair involves making an incision in the abdominal
wall. Normal healthy tissues are cut until the area of weakness is found. This area,
the hernia, is then repaired with sutures. Often a prosthetic material, or another
plastic material, is sutured in place to strengthen the area of weakness. Finally,
the skin and other healthy tissues that were cut at the beginning are sutured
back together to complete the repair.

Newer hernia repair involves minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
However, hernia operation with open techniques is still a valid option reaching the
highest standards of care. Laparoscopic techniques of hernia repair are especially
attractive when patients are dealing with recurrent hernias or bilateral inguinal hernias

© Dr. Stephen Watson- Laparoscopic & General Surgeon Perth Western Australia.