What are the early warning signs of hernias?

A hernia develops when an internal part of the body, such as an organ, protrudes through a weak sport in the muscle or tissue wall.

Here to provide an expert insight into hernias, in particular inguinal hernias, is Mr Paul Skinner, esteemed consultant general and colorectal surgeon.

What are the main early warning signs of hernias?

There are many different types of hernia, but the most common type is the one that occurs in the groin area, called an inguinal hernia. The earliest warning sign of an inguinal hernia is the feeling of a lump in the groin.

How will I know if I have a hernia? How are they diagnosed?

Patients normally know that they have a hernia because they can feel a lump. Very occasionally, this lump is started during a period of great exertion (heavy lifting) that is followed by the sudden feel of a lump in the groin. After this, the lump is usually uncomfortable for a few days and then settles down.

On the whole, most hernias are diagnosed by talking to a doctor and being physically examined, or, with an ultrasound scan.

Can some hernias be potentially life-threatening? If so, what types, and in what scenarios?

The majority of hernias are not life-threatening, being inconvenient and uncomfortable.

However, hernias can be very dangerous in certain circumstances. This occurs when the hernia strangulates the bowel or another organ in the abdomen. The warning signs of a strangulated hernia are: a hernia that is tender, and, severe pain over the site of the hernia.

How are hernias commonly treated?

Most hernias are treated with surgery.

Despite this, patients should only have one operation, if they are fit and the hernia is disturbing their lifestyle. This is because, while hernia surgery poses little complications and can be very beneficial, in some patients it can still be painful afterwards. As a result, patients should only have a hernia repair if the hernia is affecting their lifestyle.

What does hernia surgery involve, and when is it completely required?

A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall, which allows the abdominal content to come out to the outside. So, surgery is a mixture of returning the abdominal content to where it belongs and reinforcing the weakness in the abdominal wall.

In most cases, this is done using a mesh, which is an artificial material that stays in. This requires an anaesthetic, which can be local or general. The surgery can be performed open or keyhole depending on the patient’s individual medical condition.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a hernia and wish to consult your options, do not hesitate to visit Mr Skinner’s Top Doctors profile today.