Hernia -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

What is Hernia
A hernia is a protrusion of a tissue, structure, or part of an organ through the muscular tissue or the membrane by which it is normally contained. The hernia has three parts: the orifice through which it herniates, the hernial sac, and its contents.A hernia (rupture) is usually noticed as a lump, commonly in the groin or the umbilical region.It appears when a portion of the tissue which lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) breaks through a weakened area of the abdominal wall.

Causes of Hernia
Certain medical conditions. Having cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disorder that causes severe lung damage and often a chronic cough, makes it more likely you'll develop an inguinal herniaAnything that raises the pressure within the abdomen, such as heavy lifting (for example, weights or building materials), coughing, even straining on the toilet, can cause a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall.

Although abdominal hernias can be present at birth, others develop later in life. Some involve pathways formed during fetal development, existing openings in the abdominal cavity, or areas of abdominal wall weakness.

Sometimes, the intestines can get trapped in this muscular defect and cause umbilical pain and tenderness. This is called an incarcerated hernia and needs to be evaluated by a medical professional to prevent damage to the intestines.

Symptoms of Hernia
Upper endoscopy is more accurate than a barium swallow radiograph and may be performed in a hospital or a doctor’s office. The doctor may spray your throat to numb it and then, after lightly sedating you, will slide a thin, flexible plastic tube with a light and lens on the end called an endoscope down your throat. Acting as a tiny camera, the endoscope allows the doctor to see the surface of the esophagus and search for abnormalities.

A heavy feeling in the groin
Pain in the groin while standing or moving
Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum. The swelling may be more noticeable when the baby cries, and may get smaller or go away when the baby relaxes. If your physician pushes gently on this bulge when the child is calm and lying down, it will usually get smaller or go back into the abdomen.

Hernia - Treatment

Laparoscopic hernia repair. Laparoscopic hernia repair is a newer method for repairing an inguinal hernia in adults. A surgeon inserts a thin, lighted scope through a small incision in the abdomen. Instruments to repair the hernia are inserted through other abdominal incisions.


Holding the hernia in by tape, bandages, or other means sometimes makes the person more comfortable but does not lower the risk of strangulation or allow the opening to close; therefore, these are not recommended treatments. Only umbilical hernias go away without treatment.

Newer hernia repair involves minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. However, hernia operation with open techniques is still a valid option reaching the highest standards of care. Laparoscopic techniques of hernia repair are especially attractive when patients are dealing with recurrent hernias or bilateral inguinal hernias.