What is a Hernia?

A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or the muscular wall of an organ through the cavity that normally contains it. By far the most common hernias develop in the abdomen, but another common hernia involves the spinal discs and causes sciatica.

Hernias may or may not present pain at the site, a visible or palpable lump, or in some cases more vague symptoms resulting from pressure on an organ which has become "stuck" in the hernia, sometimes leading to organ dysfunction.

Surgical Treatment

Hernias are usually repaired using laparoscopic surgery, also referred to as "minimally invasive" surgery, which requires one or more small incisions for the camera and instruments to be inserted, not to be confused with traditional "open" or "microscopic" surgery which requires an incision large enough for the surgeon's hands to be inserted into the patient. Patients are typically managed through day surgery centers and are able to return to work within a week or two, while intensive activities are prohibited for a longer period of time. Patients who have their hernias repaired with mesh often recover in a number of days.

Types of Hernias Treated

• Inguinal hernia - By far the most common (up to 75% of all abdominal hernias) are inguinal hernias.
• Hiatal hernia
• Paraesophageal hernia
• Ventral hernia
• Umbilical hernia
• Epigastric hernia
• Spigelian hernia
• Incisional hernia