What is a hernia ?
A Hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube passes through a hole or break in a tyre, the inner lining of the abdominal cavity pushes through the abdominal wall to form a small balloon like sac. This can allow bowel or other abdominal contents to push through into the sac. This is a hernia.
The hernia can result in severe pain and even require emergency surgery due to trapped bowel. Both men and women can have a hernia.
Some people are born with a hernia or defect while some develop it due to wear and tear.
A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself. They generally get bigger and cause greater problems while being more complex to repair.
The most common type of hernia is a groin hernia, followed by belly button and then incisional (after surgery) hernias.
