What is a Hernia?
When part of an internal organ such as the stomach or intestines protrudes through a weakened area of muscle, it is called a hernia. Most hernias occur in the abdomen and are common in men, women, and children. Hernias may be caused by a weakness in the muscle wall that is present from birth (congenital), or as a result of strain on the abdominal muscle from obesity, coughing, lifting or heavy work.
There are several common types of hernias:
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and accounts for over 75% of cases. They are more common in males and over half a million inguinal hernias are repaired each year. The inguinal canal is a natural passage in the abdominal wall of the groin through which blood vessels pass, along with the spermatic cord in men and a round ligament that is attached to the uterus in women. In an inguinal hernia, a part of the intestine or internal body fat is forced through the inguinal canal. It is often felt as a bulge or lump in the groin
Femoral Hernia
When a hernia occurs through the passage between the abdomen and the thigh that contains the femoral artery and vein; it is called a femoral hernia. A patient may notice a bulge in the upper part of the thigh, just below the groin. Femoral hernias are more common in women than in men.
Umbilical Hernia
The area right below the naval is the site of the umbilical hernia. These are common in infants and small umbilical hernias at birth may close by themselves by about age two. However, this area may remain weak and the umbilical hernia may recur in adulthood. Umbilical hernias may also occur in obese adults or women who have had multiple pregnancies.
Hiatal Hernia
When a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus, it is referred to as a hiatal hernia. The diaphragm is a layer of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest and is used in breathing. The esophageal hiatus is a normal opening that is usually only large enough for the esophagus to fit through. Hiatal hernias are common and are often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Ventral Hernia
Ventral hernias can occur anywhere along the midline of the abdomen between the pubic bone and the breast bone. It is often first noticed as a small bulge which becomes more prominent when sitting up from a lying position or when straining. These are most often associated with a prior surgery (an incisional hernia) but may be a natural defect. As many as 20% of incisions on the abdominal wall can develop a defect, resulting in a hernia.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Hernias in adults do not go away with time or get better by themselves. While many hernias are not a problem initially, they can get larger over time and become more uncomfortable or painful. In some cases, a loop of intestine can become trapped or incarcerated in the hernia. If the blood supply to the intestinal loop is obstructed by the muscle wall, the hernia is said to be strangulated and is a medical emergency.
The surgeons of Surgical Consultants of Hollywood are experts in hernia repair using laparoscopic surgery. Using several small incisions our surgeons enter the abdominal space behind the general area of the hernia. The surgeon then identifies the precise location of the hernia and uses a plastic mesh and special fasteners to close the hernia and reinforce the area preventing a future recurrence of the hernia. The mesh is a very durable synthetic material that provides a scaffold for the body to build on.
Laparoscopic surgical repair of hernias has the advantage of creating a strong repair with less chance of hernia recurrence, reduced post surgical pain, and faster recovery. The small incisions are more easily concealed for a better cosmetic result.