Hernia

Inguinal hernias An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called "inguinal" because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.

Epigastric hernia is another kind of hernia more common in men than women. It occurs above the navel, in the upper-middle area of the abdomen. Epigastric hernia repair surgery is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation

Femoral hernias Femoral hernias like most other hernias need operative intervention. This should ideally be done as an elective procedure. However, because of the high incidence of complications femoral hernias often need emergency surgery.

If you've had a surgical incision in your abdomen, you may be at risk for an incisional or ventral hernia. These hernias can appear at the site of a previous surgery weeks, months, or even years later, and can vary in size from small to very large and complex. If you think you have an incisional hernia, it's important to see your doctor. Unattended, they may widen and become extremely difficult to repair.

Umbilical hernias occur near the bellybutton or navel, which has a natural weakness from the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. These hernias may occur in infants at or just after birth, and may resolve at 3 or 4 years of age. However, the area of weakness can persist throughout life, and can occur in men, women and children at any time.

Hiatal hernias  occur when one part of the body protrudes through a gap or opening into another part. A hiatal hernia forms at the opening in your diaphragm where your food pipe (esophagus) joins your stomach. Part of the stomach pushes through this opening causing a hiatal hernia.

Diaphragmatic hernias Diaphragmatic hernia occurs when a portion of an abdominal organ protrudes into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm.  A diaphragmatic hernia may also develop after a serious injury such as from a motor vehicle accident.  Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias can be diagnosed during pregnancy by ultrasound occuring when the diaphragm fails to develop completely. It is extremely dangerous and requires immediate surgery.

Abdominal Hernia An abdominal hernia is the protrusion of contents of the coelomic cavity through the wall that contains it, usually as a result of weakness in that wall. In the abdomen as elsewhere, this may be at a site of normal weakness, for example, a place where a vessel or viscus enters or leaves the wall.

Rectal Hernia An agonizing rectal hernia is one of the most disruptive conditions a woman can experience. A bulging pouch in the rectum (rectocele), the hernia can be the result of aging or pregnancy. It traps stool and pushes it into the back wall of the vagina, causing chronic constipation and painful intercourse.

Hernia Types

• Reducible hernia - A hernia in which the contents of the sac can be returned to their normal location, ie, can be moved back into place .
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  Irreducible hernia - A hernia that cannot be reduced without operation, ie a hernia that cannot be moved back into place

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  Incarcerated hernia - swollen and cannot be moved..A hernia which results in the entrapment of tissue or viscera into the hernia sac.

•  Obstructed hernia  - An obstructed hernia is one in which the bowel is trapped and obstructed but viable.
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  Strangulated hernia - when the hernia has cut off its own blood supply.  A strangulated hernia, which is a dangerous complication of the condition, is a medical emergency where a loop of bowel becomes trapped in the hernia defect.

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