Hernia

Definition

A hernia occurs when part of an organ (usually the intestines) sticks through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place.

There are several types of hernias, based on where it occurs:

• Inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum. This type is more common in men than women.
• Femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the upper thigh. This type is more common in women than in men.
• Incisional hernia can occur through a scar if you had abdominal surgery.
• Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. It occurs when the muscle around the navel doesn't close completely.

Alternative Names

Causes

Usually, there is no obvious cause of a hernia, although they are sometimes associated with heavy lifting.

Hernias can be seen in infants and children. This can happen when the lining around the abdominal organs does not close properly before birth. About 5 out of 100 children have inguinal hernias (more boys than girls). Some may not have symptoms until adulthood.

If you have any of the following, you are more likely to develop a hernia:

• Family history of hernias
• Cystic fibrosis
• Undescended testicles
• Extra weight
• Chronic cough
• Chronic constipation, straining to have bowel movements
• Enlarged prostate, straining to urinate

References

Patient Care Committee. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Surgical repair of groin hernias. SSAT patient care guidelines. J of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2004; 8(3): 365-6.

Hachisuka T. Femoral Hernia Repair. Surg Clin North Am. 2003; 83(5): 1189-1205.

Awad SS. Current approaches to inguinal hernia repair. Am J Surg. 2004; 188(6A Suppl): 9S-16S.