Leading surgical expert, Mr Arjun Shankar in an article for totalhealth explains the different types of hernias and the best methods for fixing them. He describes how a hernia is quite simply a ‘hole‘ in the abdominal wall through which the internal organs may protrude. He says: “This results in a lump which is more obvious when the patient stands or coughs. The reason for this is that in these circumstances the pressure inside the abdomen goes up and pushes the hernia contents out through the defect. Hernias can then become ‘strangulated’ when the contents of the hernia are unable to return to their normal place and hence lose their blood supply.”
Over the last 100 years hernia surgery has developed into a speciality in its own right paralleled with huge leaps in technology and expertise.
Diagnosing Hernias
Most hernias are apparent on examination by an experienced clinician although in some circumstances it may be necessary to get a radiological assessment. The radiological techniques used range from simple ultrasound through to MRI and CT. Imaging of this type may be necessary when planning complex abdominal wall reconstructions, when the diagnosis of a hernia is in doubt or in the setting of a recurrent groin hernia (see below).
Suspicion of a hernia merits immediate referral to a suitably qualified doctor
The areas described include the following:
- Groin hernias
- Repairing groin hernias
- Weight lifting
- Potential complication
- Recurrent groin hernia repair
- Midline hernias
- Laparoscopic surgery for hernias
