Mr Elijah Ablorsu MD, FRCS, FEBS
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is essentially a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. It allows bulge and protrusion of the tissue or organs through the muscles. Around 75% of all abdominal hernias occur in the groin.
Cause of hernia
In the majority of cases a hernia is a result of age-related weakness in the abdominal wall. Also a hernia can be consequence of excessive activity or strain (i.e. heavy lifting, pregnancy, sport), obesity, drastic weight loss. Less frequently hernias occur during childhood from inborn muscle weakness.
Also keep in mind, hernias do not get better over time and they do not go away on their own!
Hernia types
A hernia can occur at different points of the abdominal wall. The most common types are:
- Groin hernia (inguinal and femoral)
- Umbilical and para-umbilical hernia
- Abdominal, incisional (through surgical incision) hernia
- Sportsman’s hernia