What is a Hernia?

Inguinal Hernia Products - Causes, Types, and Treatments

Inguinal Hernia Products

Your source for understanding and managing hernias effectively.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a protrusion of the intestine through the muscle wall (typically in the region of the abdomen), creating a bulge in the skin. Hernias are more common than one may think, with males having a lifetime risk of 27%. It can be painful or benign depending on the site in the body and size.

Complications

The probability of complications is greatest in the early stage, so seek a medical diagnosis at the earliest possible stage even if your hernia seems asymptomatic (benign).

Classification of Hernias

Hernias are classified as either single (unilateral) or double (bilateral). 54% will present to a doctor with a right-sided hernia, 39.7% with a left-sided hernia, and 6.3% will have a bilateral hernia.

How is a Hernia Caused?

Straining the area around a weak point of the abdomen can cause a hernia. Contributing factors include:

  • Obesity / poor diet
  • Smokers cough or hard coughing generally
  • Constipation
  • Lifting or pushing heavy loads
  • Weakening of the muscle wall as a result of age
  • Genetic predisposition

Demographic Profile

If you are aged 50+ and male, you are more likely to have a hernia than the general population. This is due to the muscle wall becoming weaker with age and a small gap in the muscle wall in males where the colon can protrude under stress.

Types of Hernias

Direct Inguinal Hernia

Direct and indirect inguinal hernias are the most common, affecting around 70-75% of all hernia patients. A direct inguinal hernia pushes through the inguinal ring, typically in older men.

Indirect Inguinal Hernia

An indirect inguinal hernia protrudes through a weak point in the fascia of the abdominal wall. It can occur at any age.

Epigastric Hernia

Epigastric hernias are relatively rare, generally classified as above the abdominal midline, affecting just 1% of the hernia population.

Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs at birth due to a weakness in the abdominal wall left by the umbilical cord. It affects up to 8% of all hernias.

Incisional Hernia

An incisional hernia develops at the site of previous surgery where the muscle wall is already weaker. Weight loss is often recommended as a principal solution. Incisional hernias are seen in just 1% of all hernia cases.

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias follow the femoral canal and account for 10% of all hernias. They present a higher risk to patient health as the colon has a higher chance of becoming strangulated and infected. 40% of femoral hernias present as emergencies.

Classification of Hernias

  • Reducible - The hernia can be compressed back into the body without undue strain or pain.
  • Incarcerated - Cannot be pushed back into the body without strain or pain.
  • Strangulated - The blood supply of the intestinal sac is cut off, normally a medical emergency.

Solutions

Surgery

Surgery is typically recommended where the hernia is having a direct impact on a person's lifestyle. There are two main surgical options:

  • Endoscopic (keyhole) surgery - Generally better outcomes, more expensive, and does not use a mesh.
  • Open mesh repair surgery - More common, cheaper, and straightforward but may have underestimated post-operative pain.

Watchful Waiting

For asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic hernias, your doctor may recommend 'watchful waiting'. During this period, controlling the hernia together with diet additions can still have good outcomes.

Regime Change

Your medical practitioner will probably advise a dietary and health-related regime change so that the hernia is not exacerbated.

Post Surgery

Around 30% of people with a unilateral hernia go on to develop a hernia on the other side. We recommend wearing our briefs post-operation when the local area is completely healed and under the direction of your surgeon.

Handmade Hernia Briefs