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What is a hernia?
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening.  Think of a ruptured tyre - when the tyre wall separates, the inner tube can seep through the opening.  Similarly, when a hernia occurs, tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall.  As the hernia enlarges, it forms a sac.  Internal organs such as the intestines can fall into this sac, creating one of the major symptoms of hernia - a bulge.

A hernia induced bulge is most often visible when standing.  Lying down allows the tissue in the sac to return to its proper position and the bulge temporarily disappears.  While hernias can occur throughout the body, 95% are in the groin area known as inguinal hernias.  Protrusions elsewhere on the abdominal wall are called femoral and umbilical hernias.  Highest up of all is the hiatal hernia which occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm separating the chest and the abdomen.

How do you get a hernia?
Hernias can be present at birth or occur over time due to stress and strain on the abdominal wall.  Most hernias become apparent later in life because it takes time for the hernial sac to enlarge enough for tissue to fall into it.

What are the treatment options?
Only surgery can correct a hernia.  Wearing a truss or binder may temporarily alleviate symptoms but will not cure the hernia - without surgery, you are simply tolerating the hernia.

There are various types of hernia operation available.  Traditional repair techniques involve pulling together muscles and ligaments for reinforcement.  These techniques are usually performed under a general anaesthesia and may require a hospital stay. 

The treatment of some types of hernia may benefit from a wide variety of new techniques, including the minimally-invasive '2cm incision' technique available at Highgate Hospital.  This particular technique is carried out on a daycase basis, with most patients experiencing little post-operative pain.

Operations and consultations will be carried out by a General Surgeon, who will advise you which is the most suitable treatment option for you. 

Will the hernia come back?
Since muscles are soft and moveable, while ligaments remain rigid and stationary, these structures can separate over time causing hernia recurrence.  In fact, approximately 10% of hernias do recur.

Next steps
Please call 020 8347 3857 for more information or to book an appointment.