HERNIAS

TYPES OF HERNIAS

Inguinal Hernias

Inguinal hernias most commonly present as a swelling in the groin, and although they are most common in men, women also do develop groin hernias. The swelling usually appears on standing and disappears overnight or when lying down. The swelling typically is due to the intestines protruding through a defect in the abdominal muscles and appearing as a bulge under the skin.

Umbilical Hernias

An umbilical hernia is a hernia through or near to the belly button. The umbilicus is the remnant of where the umbilical cord joined you to the placenta during foetal development. Shortly after birth, the small hole at the umbilicus that was present throughout the pregnancy closes off. If the hole fails to close the persistent defect results in a hernia. The hernia is called a neonatal umbilical hernia if it is present from birth. If the hernia presents in an adult it can either be through the umbilicus or adjacent to the umbilicus in which case it is called a paraumbilical hernia.

Incisional Hernias

An incisional hernia is a hernia which develops in a previous surgical wound. They are very common and can range from a tiny defect in the abdominal wall to complete disruption over the whole length of the incision. They present mainly as an unsightly swelling of the wound but in common with other hernias may also be uncomfortable or indeed present with severe pain.

Femoral Hernias

A femoral hernia is a groin hernia which tends to occur in women. It occurs slightly lower down in the groin than an inguinal hernia which typically occurs in men. It presents as a swelling in the crease where the thigh meets the abdomen right next to the pubic bone. The swelling is usually due to fat poking through the femoral canal and is about an inch in diameter. The swelling may disappear on lying down but more typically does not.

Incisional Hernias

An incisional hernia is a hernia which develops in a previous surgical wound. They are very common and can range from a tiny defect in the abdominal wall to complete disruption over the whole length of the incision. They present mainly as an unsightly swelling of the wound but in common with other hernias may also be uncomfortable or indeed present with severe pain.

Femoral Hernias

A femoral hernia is a groin hernia which tends to occur in women. It occurs slightly lower down in the groin than an inguinal hernia which typically occurs in men. It presents as a swelling in the crease where the thigh meets the abdomen right next to the pubic bone. The swelling is usually due to fat poking through the femoral canal and is about an inch in diameter. The swelling may disappear on lying down but more typically does not.

DIAGNOSIS

Hernias are usually diagnosed with a physical examination, but an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI might be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. When checking for an inguinal hernia, you may be asked to cough or strain as that can make a hernia more prominent.

TREATMENT

This depends on the type of hernia. An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and if it is small and not causing any issues, your surgeon may recommend waiting. Although most hernias will not improve without surgery, they may not get worse and can be left untreated if it’s not affecting your ability to carry out normal activities.

Some types of hernias are more likely to become strangulated when the blood supply to the tissue is cut off and the strangulated hernia can release toxins into the bloodstream which can lead to sepsis and even death. A strangulated hernia typically requires immediate emergency surgery.

Our surgeons offer two surgical approaches to hernias. Open hernia repair, which can be performed with local anaesthetic and sedation or general anaesthesia, involves pushing the protruding tissue back into the abdomen or groin. The weakened area is often reinforced with synthetic mesh, known as a hernioplasty, before the incision is closed with a disposable stitch.

The other option is a laparoscopic hernia repair. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Small incisions are made, and a laparoscopic camera is used to see the area being repaired with synthetic mesh using narrow surgical instruments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

— What causes hernias?

All hernias are the result of a combination of pressure and a weakness in the muscle or the fascia which holds the organs in place. The pressure pushes an organ or tissue through the weak spot. Sometimes this weakness is present at birth, but it can also occur later on in life. Factors that can increase the risk of developing a hernia include chronic cough, medical conditions that result in prolonged constipation or repetitive vomiting, obesity and straining such as during childbirth.

— What are the signs of a strangulated hernia?

You should seek immediate medical attention for a strangulated hernia; the symptoms include nausea and vomiting, fever, sudden sharp pain in the abdomen or groin, a red, purple or dark-coloured bulge and constipation.

— What is the recovery like after a hernia repair procedure?

After the surgery, you’ll be encouraged to move about as soon as possible, but it might be several weeks before you’re able to resume normal activities. Laparoscopic repair usually means less discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities.

HERNIAS

HERNIAS

TYPES OF HERNIAS

DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

CLINICS

NUFFIELD HEALTH THE VALE HOSPITAL

NUFFIELD HEALTH CARDIFF BAY HOSPITAL

HERNIAS

HERNIAS

TYPES OF HERNIAS

DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information or to make an appointment, please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

CLINICS

NUFFIELD HEALTH THE VALE HOSPITAL

NUFFIELD HEALTH CARDIFF BAY HOSPITAL

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.

For more information or to make an appointment,
please call my secretary Ceri Hatcher on 01443 449277.