Diagnosis Information:
Hernia Overview

Hernia surgeries are some of the most commonly performed procedures done by general surgeons. A hernia can be defined as a protrusion of an internal organ through a weakness in the body's muscular wall. They can occur throughout the body but some of the most common sites include the groin (inguinal) or below the groin (femoral) at the navel (umbilical) or at the site of a previous surgical scar (incisional).

Hernias become noticeable when a "sac" of fat, tissue or intestine from within the abdomen protrudes from the hernia defect. This often presents as a bulge or lump at the site. This bulge may vary in size and shape and can often be manually pushed back (reduced) into its normal position.

Not all hernias cause symptoms of discomfort. Patients may report that certain strenuous activities such as heavy lifting will make the symptoms worse. If severe enough, even normal activities such as sneezing, urination or having a bowel movement may be painful.

There are many reasons why surgeons recommend elective repair of hernias. Hernias are often uncomfortable or painful. In addition, hernias may progress over time to become much larger. Most importantly, any hernia can progress to the point where a loop of intestine could become entrapped within the hernia and become difficult to reduce. This is termed an "incarcerated hernia." If the blood supply to the loop of intestines is cut off, then the intestine can become "strangulated." This is considered a surgical emergency. Fortunately not all hernias progress to this point.

The vast majority of hernia repairs done in this country are performed on an elective basis. These can be safely done as a day surgical procedure in which the patient can go home the same day as the operation is performed. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These include infection, bleeding or skin numbness where the incision is made.
Damage to nerves, hernia recurrence and injury to other organs are very rare complications.