The abdominal wall wraps around the center of the body. It extends from just below the rib cage to the pelvis. The wall keeps the intestines and other organs in the abdominal cavity. When the wall is weakened it can tear. Intestines or other organs can bulge through the opening. This is called an abdominal hernia. There are several types of abdominal hernias, all named for their location:
Contact your doctor if you suspect you have a hernia.
Hernias may be acquired as an adult or present at birth.
Acquired hernias can result from:
Congenital hernias or those present at birth can include:
There are also unknown reasons for this condition.
These factors increase your chance of a hernia. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
Risk factors for acquired hernias include:
Risk factors for congenital hernias include:
Most hernias are found because of a lump or bulge that sticks out. Sometimes a congenital hernia will be more obvious while a baby is crying. Often times there are no other symptoms.
Some people feel tenderness or discomfort where the hernia is located.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will try to feel the hernia. You may be asked to cough or bend for the doctor to feel the hernia better. You may be referred to a surgeon to talk about removing the hernia.
Most inguinal hernias enlarge over time. Large hernias can put pressure on surrounding tissues. This pressure causes pain.
Incarcerated hernia is the most serious complication of a hernia. It occurs when a loop of intestine becomes trapped in the abdominal wall. This in turn may lead to obstruction of the bowel. Strangulation can also occur if blood flow is slowed. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency. It requires immediate surgery.
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you or your child. Hernias can become bigger, infected, or stuck in one spot.
Hernias are repaired with surgery. During the surgeries the bulging intestine is put back into place. The damaged wall is also repaired. In some cases a piece of mesh is inserted to provide extra support.
Your doctor may suggest laparoscopic surgery . This type of surgery repairs the hernia using a very small incision. The repairs are done using a lighted, thin tube and small surgical instruments.
Congenital hernias cannot be prevented. To help reduce your chance of an acquired or adult abdominal hernia, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American College of Surgeons
http://www.facs.org/
Society of Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeons
http://www.sages.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health
Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
Groin hernia in adults. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed November 9, 2008.
Hernias of the abdominal wall. Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch011/ch011f.html . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Hernia umbilical/inguinal. Children’s Hospital Boston website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1018/mainpageS1018P0.html . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Hiatal hernia. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed November 9, 2008.
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.sages.org/sagespublication.php?doc=PI06 . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Umbilical hernia. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed November 9, 2008.
Umbilical hernia. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/umbilical-hernia/DS00655/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Ventral hernia. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed November 9, 2008.
Last reviewed December 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.