- A hernia is a protrusion, bulge, or projection of an organ or part of an organ through the body wall that normally contains it, such as the abdominal wall. Most abdominal wall hernias should be repaired when identified
- The Signs and symptoms of a hernia:
- A noticeable protrusion in the groin area or in the abdomen
- Feeling pain while lifting
- A dull aching sensation
- A vague feeling of fullness
- Nausea and constipation
- The nature of the repair depends upon the size of the hernia and the location on the abdominal wall in which it has occurred.
- The diagnosis of suspected abdominal wall hernia can usually be made with physical examination. For patients in whom abdominal wall hernia is suspected but not apparent clinically, we suggest further imaging, the nature of which depends upon the location of the suspected hernia.
- Men are eight times more likely to develop a hernia and 20 times more likely to need a hernia repair compared with women
- More than 20 million hernias are estimated to be repaired every year around the world. Per year approximately 700,000 hernia repairs are carried out in the USA
