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1st Nov 2022
A hernia is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions among laypeople, who frequently believe it is more complicated than it is.
The confusion extends to the concept of gender: hernias are commonly associated with men, but they can occur in women as well. Furthermore, hernias can occur at any age, from infancy to late adulthood.
The majority of hernias are abdominal hernias. Anything that strains the abdominal wall, from lifting heavy objects to exercising, can both predispose to and cause a hernia.
This article discusses the seven types of hernias that men are most likely to develop, as well as the warning signs that indicate the presence of one.
Inguinal (or groin) hernias are the most common type of hernia, though men are more likely than women to develop one. The testes descend into the inguinal canal before birth. The spermatic cord and blood vessels are housed in the canal.
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes from the abdominal cavity near the groin through a weakness. The herniated part can then enter the groin or scrotum through the opening.
Generally, inguinal hernias can be pushed back or even slide back and forth on their own. If the intestine segment becomes stuck and strangulates, the situation becomes an emergency. It is repairable through minimally invasive hernia surgery.
Umbilical hernias occur when the abdominal wall at the point of the umbilical cord is weakened (belly button). It is the second most common type of hernia in adults, though women are more likely to develop them because pregnancy is an obvious "risk factor" for umbilical hernias. These hernias can frequently be reduced manually or repaired surgically.
Epigastric hernias are fat or intestine protrusions through the abdominal wall between the navel and the breastbone. A weak spot in the abdominal wall can allow fat or intestine to pass through.
This type of hernia can be left alone, but the patient usually makes the decision. The pain will worsen unless surgery is performed.
A ventral hernia, also known as an incisional hernia, occurs when scar tissue weakens the abdominal wall following a surgical procedure or as a result of trauma. These hernias can appear anywhere on the abdomen where a scar exists, such as at a midline or lateral edges.
A laparoscope cannot repair all hernias, but this one can. A surgeon makes several small cuts in the belly and inserts a thin tube with a camera at the end to repair the defect. Laparoscopy typically leads to a shorter recovery time and less pain.
An obturator hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine passes through the gap between the front pelvic bones. They can be challenging to diagnose, but a computed tomography (CT) scan can confirm a doctor's suspicions. A timely surgical repair is critical for preventing the condition from worsening.
A hiatal hernia is an internal hernia that is not visible from the outside. When the upper part of the stomach protrudes through a hole (hiatus) in the diaphragm, an area normally occupied by the esophagus, this condition occurs. It has been linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If surgery is required, Hiatal hernias can be treated.
Femoral hernias are more common in women and occur when part of the intestine protrudes through the femoral canal and protrudes at the top of the thigh. The main blood vessels that supply the legs pass through the femoral canal.
Both open and laparoscopic surgery are options. Because of the possibility of complications, time is often of the essence. The bowel, in particular, can become obstructed or strangulated.
