Hernias

A hernia occurs when there is a weakening in the abdominal wall and internal organs or tissues push through the muscles forming a visible bulge through the skin. Hernias can occur in many areas of the body, most commonly the abdomen and groin. Usually, hernias are quite painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Hernias can occur in men, women and children.

Hernias can have several causes including lifting heaving objects, scars near the hernia site (post-abdominal surgery), chronic coughing, aging, and physical strain during bowel movements. Some hernias are congenital and exist from birth.

There are several types of hernias in adults.

Inguinal Hernia - The most common type of hernia is called an inguinal hernia, occurring in the groin area. (see Inguinal Hernia Repair)

Hiatal hernias - Hiatal hernias form through a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest. (see Hiatal Hernia Repair)

There are three types of ventral hernias:

Epigastric hernia - An epigastric hernia (say "eh-pih-GAS-trik HER-nee-uh") is a problem that occurs when a bulge of fat tissue pushes through a weak part of the belly wall. It happens between the breastbone and the belly button, or navel.

Incisional hernia - An incisional hernia is a problem that occurs when a bulge of tissue pushes through the wall of muscle that's holding it in. It happens after surgery in the belly, in the area of the incision. Most of the time, it occurs along a vertical (up and down) incision. It can happen months or even years after surgery.

Umbilical hernia - An umbilical hernia is a bulge in the abdominal wall near the navel (umbilicus) that sometimes contains abdominal tissue, a loop of intestine, fat, or fluid. An umbilical hernia may be present at birth or develop shortly thereafter.

• 10% of people in the US will develop a groin hernia in their lifetime.
• Two million people undergo open abdominal surgery annually in the US. Of these, up to 30% will develop a hernia at the surgical incision site.
• Hernia recurrence rates remain as high as 63% at ten years.
• Patients who undergo multiple hernia repairs have higher recurrence rates and are at higher risk for complications.
• Modifiable risk factors for recurrence and complications include obesity, tobacco use, inactivity, alcohol abuse, and poorly controlled diabetes.