Hernia Awareness: Anita’s Angels · Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia · Nutritional Help · Surgical Review.org · New Jersey Specialists
The purpose of National Hernia Awareness Month is to raise the public knowledge of the warning signs and latest treatment options available regarding hernias.
A hernia occurs when there is a weakness in the abdominal wall of the area it occurs. It is estimated that more than 5 million persons have some type of hernia, but only 750,000 people per year actually seek medical attention.
Concerns about and pain associated with hernias can prevent people from engaging in activities that they normally love to do, and ignoring symptoms can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Although the treatment for a hernia usually requires surgery, newer advanced minimally invasive techniques allow for a shorter recovery time and decreased recurrence rates.
There are a number of places and types of hernias that can occur within the body:
Abdominal – Also referred to as a ventral hernia, abdominal hernias are generally a protrusion that occurs above the belt. This happens due to a weakness in the abdominal wall.
Hiatal – This type of hernia is closely connected & can coincide with a Paraesophageal Hernia, with the main symptom being gastric reflux or GERD. A hiatal hernia can commonly reoccur after surgery to repair it.
Umbilical – Occurs around or in your belly button. If your belly button typically is pushed in, leaving an indent, and suddenly it appears to have a something bulging out then you most likely have an umbilical hernia.
Incisional – Occurs at the incision line of a previous surgery, due to the cutting of the skin, tissue, & muscles in that particular area creating a weakened site.
Femoral – Occurs at the top of the leg or groin area. These types of hernias are more common in women and tend to be recurrent after a hernia has been repaired.
Inguinal – Occurs below the belt and on either side or both sides of the groin and/or the scrotum area. This particular hernia is more common in men and can also be recurrent, even after surgery.
Congenital Diaphragmatic (CDH) – Occurring in approximately 1 in 2500 births, CDH a baby’s diaphragm (a thin sheet of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest) fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity and prevent lung growth.