WHAT IS A HERNIA?
Hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, creating a bulge or protrusion. They can develop in various areas of the body, commonly in the abdomen, groin, and chest. The most frequent types include inguinal (in the groin), umbilical (around the belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach through the diaphragmatic hiatus into the chest).
Symptoms might vary but often include a visible bulge, discomfort, or pain, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining. Often hernias don’t cause noticeable symptoms and are only discovered during a physical exam.
Several factors contribute to hernia development, such as age, genetics, obesity, chronic coughing, strenuous physical activity, and weak scars from previous abdominal surgery. Treatment involves surgery to repair the weakened tissue, usually performed through open, laparoscopically, or robotic surgery.
If left untreated, hernias can lead to complications like strangulation, where the blood supply to the protruding tissue gets cut off, resulting in severe pain and requiring emergency surgery. Seeking medical attention upon noticing symptoms helps prevent complications and ensures appropriate treatment.