A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through an opening or weak spot in the muscles or tissues that normally hold it in place. Hernias can develop in various parts of the body, but they most commonly occur in the abdominal area.
An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissue, usually a part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot or tear in the abdominal muscles. This condition typically manifests in the inguinal region, which is the groin area. Inguinal hernias are more common in men than women.
The inguinal canal is a passage in the lower abdomen where blood vessels and the spermatic cord in men (which delivers blood to the testicles) pass through from the abdomen into the scrotum. When there’s a weakness in the abdominal wall, it can allow a portion of the intestine or other tissue to push through, causing the bulge characteristic of a hernia.
The most common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a noticeable bulge in the groin area that might become more pronounced when standing, coughing, or straining, as well as discomfort or pain in the groin, especially when lifting heavy objects or bending over. In some cases, inguinal hernias may lead to complications, such as strangulation (when the protruding intestine becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off), which requires immediate medical attention.
A ventral hernia is a condition in which abdominal tissue or organs push through a weak area or hole in the abdominal wall. Unlike inguinal hernias that occur in the groin, ventral hernias can develop anywhere on the anterior abdominal wall.
Several types of ventral hernias exist:
This is the most common type of ventral hernia, occurring at the site of a previous surgical incision. It happens when the scar tissue from the surgical site weakens, allowing tissue or organs to protrude through.
These hernias develop in the upper part of the abdomen between the navel and breastbone, usually in the midline. They occur due to a weakness in the abdominal muscles.
This type of ventral hernia appears along the edges of the rectus abdominis muscle, often in the lower abdomen.
Ventral hernias can cause a noticeable bulge or lump in the abdomen. Depending on the size of the hernia and the tissues involved, individuals might experience discomfort, pain, or a dragging sensation. Like other types of hernias, these can also lead to complications, such as incarceration (where the hernia cannot be pushed back in) or strangulation (loss of blood supply to the herniated tissue), requiring urgent medical attention.
Treatment for a ventral hernia usually involves surgical repair. The procedure may involve pushing the herniated tissue back into place and reinforcing the weakened area of the abdominal wall, often with the use of surgical mesh to provide additional support and reduce the risk of recurrence.
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Robotic Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernia Surgery for Wirral, Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester
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