What Is A Hernia?

A hernia is a general term which refers to a protrusion of a tissue through a structure or part of an organ. In other words, when something penetrates through muscle tissue or a membrane and sticks out. A hernia has three parts - the hernia's contents, the hernia sac, and the orifice (the hole).

The Latin word hernia means "a rupture". A hernia is also medically known as a rupture.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hernia?

Hernias most commonly occur in the abdomen. A part of the abdominal wall may be weak and allows a localized hole to develop - this hole is also known as a defect. Tissue, or abdominal organs may stick out through this hole. A hernia that involves the spinal discs commonly causes pain in the lower back, the pain can radiate down one or both legs (sciatica).

Not all hernias cause pain. Some people may have a hernia and not be aware of it. In most cases, however patients with a hernia do feel some pain or discomfort, and typically sense a lump in the affected area. Fatty tissue will usually jut through first, then an organ may protrude later.

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Why do hernias occur?

In most cases a hernia will occur when the compartment which envelopes an organ receives increased pressure, this weakens the boundary. This may happen for several reasons, including:

Genetic propensity - if either or both of your parents had a hernia you are more likely to develop one.

Age - the older you are the higher is your risk of developing a hernia.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - a group of uncommon genetic disorders that affect humans and domestic animals caused by a defect in collagen synthesis.

Marfan syndrome - a is genetic disorder of the connective tissue.

Pregnancy - the muscles of the mother stretch, making it easier for tissue to poke through.

Drastic weight loss - when obese people lose weight they may be more prone to developing hernias.

COPD, Whooping cough - the patient may cough a lot. Coughing raises pressure in the abdomen. Any illness that includes severe coughing can cause hernias to occur. A severe bout of flu may sometimes cause a hernia to develop.

Ascites - the buildup of extra fluid in the abdomen (peritoneal cavity).

Benign prostatic hypertrophy - the prostate gland enlarges, increasing pressure around it.

Sports hernias (athletic pubalgia) are more common among people with a mechanical disorder of the hip, researchers from the Center for Hip Pain and Preservation at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA, explained after carrying out a study. The problem can often be resolved with surgery to fix the hip disorder.

Intracranial pressure - if intracranial pressure rises parts of the brain may develop hernias which protrude through the cranial cavity.

Excessive lifting - raises pressure on the abdomen and others parts of the body.

Prior surgery - some surgeries may result in the weakening of membranes.

Obesity - if a person is obese his chances of developing a hernia are significantly higher, compared to people who are not obese.
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What types of hernias are there?
There are many types of hernias. Below is a list of some of the most common hernias:

Abdominal Hernia - an abdominal organ or fatty tissue juts through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, resulting in a protrusion

Anal Hernia - tissue protrudes through the membrane around the anal region.

Diaphragmatic Hernia - hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm - a hole in the diaphragm which the bowel can pass through, also known as congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Hiatal Hernia - forms at the opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus (food pipe) joins the stomach. A part of the stomach pushes through this opening.

Herniatied Disc - the cushion that lies between the spinal vertebra is squeezed outside its normal position. As the spinal disc loses its elasticity, it may rupture - rupturing may cause a portion of the spinal disc to push outside its normal boundary - resulting in a herniated disc

Intracranial Hernia (in the brain) - caused by extreme intracranial pressure. This is a protrusion of brain from the cranial vault through the foramina (tentorial notch or foramen magnum) or ventral dural septae. The patient may need immediate medical attention as intracranial hernias might be life-threatening, especially if the hernia takes place in the brain stem region. Usually caused by brain edema or hemorrhage which results in increased intracranial pressure.

Pelvic Hernia, Inguinal Hernia - an interstitial hernia (happens in the small opening between tissues or parts of an organ) projecting into the pelvis from the internal inguinal ring. The inguinal ring is at the entrance to the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is an oblique canal through the lower abdominal wall; in males it is the passage through which the testicles move down into the scrotum, it contains the spermatic cord; in females it transmits around the ligament of the uterus.

Femoral Hernias - more common among females. Occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the femoral canal, it juts through at the top of the thigh. Blood vessels that supply the legs with blood go through the femoral canal.

Umbilical Hernia - more common among children. The abdominal wall is weakened where the umbilical cord enters/leaves the body (the belly button, the naval). Umbilical hernias can also be found in puppies.

Epigastric Hernia - occurs between the naval and the breastbone. Fat protrudes through the abdominal wall.

Ventral Hernia - most commonly after a surgical operation or trauma (e.g. car accident or bad fall). When tissue is scarred it weakens the abdominal wall, leading to hernia.

Obtuator Hernia - bits of intestine penetrates through the space between bones in the front part of the pelvis.



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