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Inguinal Hernias and Umbilical Hernias
Inguinal (groin) and umbilical (belly button) hernias may both be defined as abnormal protrusions of the bowel (intestine) or another internal abdominal structure when its normal position is altered due to a defect or tear in the abdominal wall. This concept has been confusing to many people. Let's consider each type of hernia separately.
1. INGUINAL HERNIAS: This is probably the most common type of hernia and is the second leading cause of intestinal obstruction. Males and females who suffer from an inguinal hernia experience a bulge in their groin. In men, the intestine commonly passes through the abdominal wall and down into the scrotum. In females, the hernia occurs just above the labia majora (large vaginal fold). The bulge is secondary to a protrusion of abdominal contents (intestine, etc.) and occurs a weak point in the lower part of the abdominal wall. You can be born with this defect, or it can result from injury or lifting. Should the intestine become entrapped [so that it cannot return to its normal position] it can swell, become inflamed and painful, and lose its blood supply. When a hernia is entrapped (incarcerated), swollen, and painful, it is referred to as STRANGULATED. Strangulated hernias are a surgical EMERGENCY. Many of us may have minor hernias that protrude under strain, but then seem to disappear causing no difficulty. People can live with entrapped hernias that manifest no symptoms at all (they usually wear a support belt or "hernia belt"). All hernias have the potential to become incarcerated and, subsequently, strangulated. For this reason, any incarcerated hernia should be surgically repaired. Infants and some obese adults have umbilical hernias. In this instance the intestine protrudes through a defect (hole) in the naval (umbilicus). An umbilical hernia is common in newborns baby and may persist (normally) in infants up to age
2. Failure of this kind of hernia to close naturally to close naturally will require surgical correction. Any swelling, tenderness, or reddened skin to the umbilicus, regardless of the patient's age, should make you consider the possibility that an umbilical hernia may have become strangulated. This is a surgical EMERGENCY that, if left untreated, can also lead to intestinal obstruction. If you carefully examine the umbilical area, you will often feel a "knotty mass," indicating a hernia. A General Surgeon is the expert in the correction of inguinal and umbilical hernias.
Hope this article will provide you information about inguinal hernias and umbilical hernias.
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