About Hernias

Inguinal, femoral, umbilical and incisional hernia symptoms may include:

• Generally, the first symptom is a visible bulge beneath the skin of the abdomen or the groin. It may disappear when lying down or when gentle pressure is applied to the protruding area.
• The area may be tender and there may be a heavy feeling in the abdomen that is sometimes accompanied by constipation or blood in the stool.
• A dull and aching sensation.
• Pain and/or pressure in the abdomen or groin that may occur after heavy lifting or straining.
• Vague feeling of fullness.

If a hernia site becomes suddenly painful and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and bloating, this may be the sign of incarceration and/or strangulation. Incarceration and strangulation occur when the intestine gets trapped within the hernia pouch and is unable to be pushed back, cutting off blood supply to the intestine. This condition is uncommon; however, if it occurs, seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room.

Besides the natural weak points of the abdominal wall, the other risk factors that significantly contribute to formation of primary hernias include:

• Smoking: cigarette byproducts cause a weakening in the abdominal wall due to an unequal balance of growth and breakdown within the tissue. This is similar to how cigarettes cause skin damage in smokers.
• Obesity: causing strain on the abdominal wall.
• COPD or chronic cough: causing strain on the abdominal wall.
• Poor nutrition: an unequal balance of growth and breakdown of the tissue.
• Injured muscles: causing tears on the abdominal wall.
• Previous surgical incisions: creating weakened points on the abdominal wall.
• Pregnancy: causing strain on the abdominal wall.
• Chronic heavy lifting: causing strain on the abdominal wall.
• Enlarged prostate and other urinary tract obstructions: caused by pressure on the abdominal wall when there is a chronic urge to urinate.
• Chronic constipation: causing strain on the abdominal wall.

There are many types of hernias, and most are named based on their location within the body.

• Inguinal Hernia
  Occurs as a bulge in the groin area and is more prevalent in men. It is rare for an inguinal hernia to become incarcerated (see the “Symptoms of a Hernia” section for more information).
• Femoral Hernia
  Occurs as a bulge in the groin area, is more prevalent in elderly women and has a higher likelihood to become incarcerated. (See the “Symptoms of a Hernia” section for more information).
• Ventral Hernia
  Occurs on the anterior (front) of the abdominal wall.
• Incisional Hernia
  Occurs on a previous incision line of the abdominal wall.
• Umbilical Hernia
  Occurs around the umbilicus (belly button).
• Complex Hernias
  A hernia that is involved with other problems, such as a fistula, chronic mesh infections, stoma and multiple recurrences. All complex hernias have a higher reoccurrence rate.