A Hernia is a protrusion of a viscus (internal organs including fat in the main cavity of the abdomen) through a defect.
Most often this can either be a visual or palpable lump in the groin or abdomen. Occasionally this can just present with pain but no visual lump. The lump can often be pushed back in and reappears after manual labour or on standing.
What are the risk factors for developing a hernia?
- Chronic cough (e.g. secondary to smoking or COPD)
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Premature birth
- Certain occupation (constant heavy lifting or manual labour)
- A previous hernia
- Certain medical conditions
Should I have my hernia fixed if I have no symptoms?
The natural progression of a hernia is to get bigger with time. Repairing this while it’s small is technically easier and reduces the operative risk and complication rate to you. There is the added risk of your hernia potentially becoming incarcerated (stuck) casing significant pain or even strangulated which is loss of blood supply to the hernia content (in certain cases can result in dead bowel). Patients can also get bowel obstructions because of their hernias.