HERNIA

General Information

DEFINITION--

Protrusion of an internal organ through a weakness or abnormal opening in the muscle around it. The most common types include:

• Inguinal hernia and femoral hernia (both involve connective tissue in the groin).
• Incisional hernia (involves muscles at the site of previous surgery).
• Umbilical hernia (in newborns, involves muscles around the navel).
• Epigastric hernia (occurs in the upper abdomen, between breastbone and naval).
• Periumbilical hernia (develops around the naval, more common in women).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Muscles.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• A swelling that usually returns to normal position with gentle pressure or by lying down.
• Mild discomfort or pain at the site of the lump (sometimes).
• Scrotal swelling, with or without pain.
• Constipation, indigestion.
• Vomiting (rare, dangerous).

CAUSES--Weakness in connective tissue or a muscle wall. This may be present at birth or acquired later in life. Incisional hernias result from previous surgery.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Premature infants.
• Adults over 60.
• Chronic cough.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Straining, as with chronic constipation.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Most hernias cannot be avoided, but maintaining proper weight and regular exercise to keep muscles toned may prevent some types of hernias.
• Seek medical help if constipation is a problem.
• If chronic cough is present, seek appropriate medical care.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies.
• X-rays of the abdomen.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to repair the opening caused by weakened muscle or connective tissue. The surgery can normally be done as an outpatient. (See 3 topics on Hernia Repair in Surgery section.)

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--If the hernia becomes strangulated (loses its blood supply), the protruding part may cause intestinal obstruction with fever, severe pain, vomiting and shock.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Umbilical hernias usually heal spontaneously by age 4 and rarely require surgery. Other hernias are usually curable with surgery.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• For an explanation of surgery and postoperative care, see Hernia (in Surgery section).
• If hernia is causing only mild discomfort and can readily be pushed back, a supportive garment or truss may be recommended.

MEDICATION--For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.

ACTIVITY--

• Avoid heavy lifting either before or after surgery.
• Speed of recovery will depend on general heath and type of hernia repaired. Light activities can usually be resumed in a few days.
• Don't return to exercise program until you have medical approval.

DIET--

• Adjust diet to avoid constipation.
• Maintain ideal weight.

Call Your Doctor If

You have symptoms of a hernia. If you have fever or severe pain, call immediately!