What is a Hernia?

A hernia (rupture) is usually noticed as a lump, commonly in the groin or the umbilical region.
It appears when a portion of the tissue
which lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum)
breaks through a weakened area of the
abdominal wall.
 

This can give rise to discomfort as the
hernia enlarges and can sometimes be
dangerous if a piece of intestine
becomes trapped ('strangulated') inside.
There is almost no limit to how BIG a
hernia could get if left untreated!

The Anatomy of HERNIA

  
The most common location for hernia is the abdomen. The abdominal wall - a sheet of tough muscle and tendon that runs down from the ribs to the legs at the groins - acts as 'nature's corset'. Its function, amongst other things, is to hold in the abdominal contents, principally the intestines.

If a weakness should open up in that wall, and it does not really matter how or why it happened (more on this later), then the 'CORSET EFFECT' is lost and what pushes against it from the inside (the intestines) simply pushes through the 'window'. The ensuing bulge, which is often quite visible against the skin, is the hernia.

These 'windows of weakness' commonly occur where there are natural weaknesses in our abdominal wall - such as where the 'plumbing' goes through it. Examples of these are the canals (inguinal and femoral) which allow passage of vessels down to the scrotum and the legs, respectively. The umbilical area (navel) is another area of natural weakness frequently prone to hernia. Another area of potential weakness can be the site(s) of any previous abdominal surgery.

What to do about a HERNIA

The ONLY way to stop a hernia getting worse is to repair the defect surgically. There are, however, several ways of doing this and the results vary widely. What follows explains most of them and describes various aspects related to the different types of hernia.

Hernia Terminology

GROIN
HERNIAS:
     
  • Inguinal Hernia
  • Femoral Hernia
  • Scrotal Hernia
 Any of these can be
Primary ('first time')
or
Recurrrent hernias
OTHER
HERNIAS:
  • Ventral Hernia
  • Umbilical Hernia
  • Ventral / Epigastric Hernia
  • Incisional Hernia
  • Spigelian Hernia
  • Recurrent Hernia
  • Recurrent Incisional Hernia
  • Bilateral (or 'double') Hernia
  • Stoma Hernia
  • Hiatus Hernia
Although all carry the word 'Hernia' the following text relates to all but the Hiatus hernia.
To go straight to information on hiatus hernia, please click here on hiatus hernia 
To go straight to information on paediatric hernia, please click here on paediatric hernias 

Who can get a Hernia?

Anybody, of either sex and at any age.
 
 

How do Hernias happen?

The wall of the abdomen, comprising muscle and tendon, performs several functions, one of which is to provide strong support to the internal organs which are exerting significant outward pressure. The opening of a gap in the tissue can occur of its own accord at a point of natural weakness, or by over-stretching a part of the tissue. Overexertion can cause it, but so could a simple cough or sneeze.

The occurrence of the gap in the abdominal wall is not normally, of itself, a problem. The problems result from the ensuing bulge of intestine through the gap. The effects felt by the patient can range from being perfectly painless, through discomfort, to being very painful indeed.

Almost every movement we make puts additional pressure on the internal tissues which, in turn, push out through the opening a little more each time. This also enlarges the opening itself. If unchecked, this process can continue even to the extent of allowing much of the intestine to hang down through the hernia.
 
 

Sport, Groin Pain and Hernia
 
  

Groin pain is a frequent disability commonly seen in footballers, golfers and other sports players and athletes. In certain muscle strains and tears, the sequence is acute groin pain which, at first, can be completely crippling, then gradually subsiding with chronic, repetitive, sharp pain and aching groin - more marked with certain movements.

Some patients have an associated lump, which commonly indicates an inguinal hernia.

The first treatment, frequently given to professional sportsmen, is intensive physiotherapy, ultrasound, injections and graduated exercise. This is often successful in healing muscle strains.

Where a lump is present, however, early surgery is necessary. Where no lump is apparent and where physiotherapy (as above) fails to correct the problem, it is possible that the groin-area muscles have torn. This tear must be repaired, a procedure which gives good results.



In any case, it is essential to diagnose correctly whether the problem is a 'Groin Strain', a Torn Muscle or a HERNIA. One must avoid giving the treatment for one when the condition is another!
Sometimes, many find it difficult to distinguish which condition exists.

 BY NO MEANS is surgery required in all cases, especially where there is no swelling.
True experts in hernia would not rush into surgery, so it is essential to consult specialists who regularly see all these kinds of cases.

Where required, these various injuries are treated surgically at The British Hernia Centre as day cases under local anaesthesia and allow a return to full - even vigorous - training, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.

 
 
 
Graham
"Mr Europe"
Black
had his hernia
repaired at
the Centre on
Friday
and on
Monday
he was
'working-out'
at the gym!

 (not always
recommended
for
the rest of us!) 

Can Hernias get better?

The opening of a hernia cannot heal itself, neither can any medicine be used to cure the condition.

 The long term course, therefore, is for a hernia to become steadily worse as time goes on, sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly.

The only remedy for the condition is to repair the hernia surgically, but that no longer means you have to be an invalid afterwards ...


 
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