What are the early warning signs of hernias?

Written in association with: Mr Paul Skinner
Published:
Edited by: Carlota Pano

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.

By Mr Paul Skinner
Colorectal surgery

Mr Paul Skinner is a highly experienced consultant general and colorectal surgeon based in Sheffield. He specialises in the treatment of anorectal conditions such as colorectal and abdominal wall hernia, as well as anal cancer and bowel cancer. He additionally specialises in performing endoscopic colonoscopy procedures.

Mr Skinner was awarded his medical degree in 1988 from the University of Sheffield. He remained in the region to complete further training and from 1995 onwards went on to specialise in general surgery and eventually colorectal surgery. As part of his subspecialist training, Mr Skinner undertook a six month position at St Mark’s Hospital, London, a centre renowned for its expertise in colorectal diseases. He currently works as a consultant general and colorectal surgeon and sees patients in private practice at BMI Thornbury Hospital. He is a surgical member of the Neuroedocrine and Sarcoma Multi-Disciplinary Team, a specialist group of experts with an interest in the diagnosis, treatment and management of neuroendocrine cancers (those relating to the nervous system and hormone glands).  

Mr Skinner teaches and trains student doctors and trainee surgeons as part of his work at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He has produced various academic works related to colorectal conditions and their treatment. Additionally, he was nominated for a Healthcare Hero award in 2017 for his excellent treatment of a patient diagnosed with both bowel cancer and a kidney tumour.

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