Occurring when an organ pushes through an opening in a muscle or tissue, a hernia can be a very painful and can have dangerous complications. While they are often found in the abdomen, hernias can also affect the groin and upper thigh areas as well.
A combination of strain and muscle weakness is the most common cause of hernias. A weakened area in the abdominal wall is a very susceptible place for hernias, which usually results in the intestines breaking through.
Typically, a bulge or lump will appear in the affected area. In some cases, a person will feel it more when standing then sitting.
While the signs and symptoms are generally the same, there are several types of hernias.
Inguinal Hernia
The most common type of hernia, the inguinal hernia affects the groin of both men and women; although it is more common in men. Inguinal hernias occur when the intestines are able to penetrate the inguinal canal.
Umbilical Hernia
As the only kind of hernia that goes away by itself, umbilical hernias occur in young children. The cause of umbilical hernias is the intestines bulging through the abdominal wall close to the bellybutton. While these hernias usually go away on their own, there are cases where surgery may be needed.
Incisional Hernia
Unlike other hernias, incisional hernias are caused by a weakened area as a result of a previous surgery. The tissue around the incision scar is normally weaker after surgery, which can allow the intestines to push through.
Regardless of what kind of hernia it is, speaking with a doctor is important. Depending on the severity of the hernia, there are several treatment options available. In some cases, a lifestyle change or medication might suffice; however, surgery is also a common treatment and could take up to six weeks to recover from.
If you experience hernia symptoms or sever abdomen pain, you should speak with your doctor immediately. Salem Surgical offers several surgical options for treating hernias and can assist with all your needs. Give us a call today to see how we can help.