A hernia is a condition wherein an organ pushes through muscle tissue or wall that holds it in place, thus herniating and causing a part of the organ to slip out of position. Hernias can occur in the abdomen, groin, upper thigh, belly button or chest section. In some cases, a hernia may disappear on its own, but in some others, surgical intervention is sought. In this article, we shall discuss the different types of hernia and their corresponding surgical treatments.

Inguinal Hernia 

This is the most common type of hernia that is caused by the intestines pushing through the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen. The inguinal canal holds the testicles in men while for women it holds the uterus in place. 

Men are more likely to suffer from an inguinal hernia as opposed to women. For men, it is through this canal that the testicles descend shortly after birth. Post this, if the canal does not close completely, there are chances of an inguinal hernia occurring.

Umbilical Hernia

An Umbilical hernia can impact babies, children, and women. In the case of babies and children, it is most likely caused due to premature birth or low birth weight wherein the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall. In most cases, an umbilical hernia in babies and children may subside on its own within a year or two. If it doesn’t subside within the baby reaching 5 years of age, surgical intervention is sought. 

In women, umbilical hernia is caused due to repeated pregnancies, obesity or fluid collection in the region. 

Incisional Hernia

Any recent abdominal surgery can weaken the muscle tissue in the area and can cause an incisional hernia at the spot where the surgical incision was made. It usually occurs within 3-6 months of the surgical procedure, especially in case of pregnancy, an increase in weight or strenuous activities shortly after surgery.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia is when the stomach pushes through the diaphragm to enter into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a muscle tissue that separates the abdomen from the chest cavity. Hiatal hernia is more likely to affect people over 50 years of age due to the weakening of muscle tissue. Obesity may cause hiatal hernia. 

Femoral Hernia

A hernia occurring in the femoral canal in the groin or upper thigh region is called a femoral hernia. It sits just below the inguinal canal. It is through the femoral canal that the femoral artery passes through in addition to other smaller nerves and veins. Women are more likely to suffer from femoral hernia as compared to men. Excess weight, childbirth or heavy lifting can cause a femoral hernia. 

Epigastric Hernia

An epigastric hernia occurs in the epigastric region above the belly button just below the sternum. This hernia causes a bump above or on the belly button. There is no known cause of epigastric hernia. It can occur due to the tenderness in the epigastric region, pushing through a lump of fat that causes the protrusion. 

Surgical Treatments for Hernia

The need for Hernia Surgery in Dallas TX depends on the nature and location of the hernia. The two main approaches for surgery are:

Open Surgery

In open surgery, an incision is made to place the organ back in its region. The incision is sealed with sutures, staples or surgical glue.

Laparoscopic Surgery

In this approach, the Hernia Surgeons in Fort Worth TX make small incisions to avoid scars and ensure a faster recovery. The laparoscope helps insert a camera, light and small surgical instruments to conduct the procedure.

In some cases, surgery may not be required and the patient may be observed for natural recovery.

Wrap Up

The surgeons at DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery specialize in minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat various types of hernia. With little to no scarring from small surgical incisions, recovery from hernia surgery at DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery is much easier. To consult with our specialists and obtain case-specific counsel on the treatment of a hernia, get in touch with DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery and secure prompt medical assistance.  Call us at 469 620 0222 or send us an SMS at 469 620 8055. You can also email us at [email protected].