Hernias: everything you need to know

Hernias are a common condition that can become extremely painful, as explained by renowned consultant colorectal surgeon Mr Sebastian Smolarek in his latest online article. He offers his expert insight into the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hernias.

What is a hernia, and what are its symptoms?

A hernia occurs when part of the intestines or an internal part of the body permeates through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or tissue. The most common type of hernia is an inguinal hernia, which often occurs in the abdominal wall between the ribcage and the pubis. There are also internal hernias, which happen in internal orifices of the body.

The most common symptom of an external hernia is a bulge, which can sometimes be associated with discomfort. If the hernia becomes strangulated, the patient can suffer from severe pain, along with nausea and vomiting.

How is a hernia diagnosed?

The simple way to diagnose an external hernia is through a clinical examination. When you feel the lump, which could be reduceable or not reduceable. When the patient is asked to cough, the lump can bulge which is known as positive cough impulse.

A CT scan or another type of imaging scan will need to be done to diagnose an internal hernia.

What are the treatment options for a hernia?

Surgery is a common treatment option for hernias. However, hernias in the groin have a watch-and-wait policy, as the groin hernias have a risk of strangulation. If the patient is fit and suitable for operation, then surgical repair is considered the most suitable treatment.

If the patient is not considered fit for operation, they will undergo a period of observation.

Can lifestyle changes prevent a hernia from recurring?

Lifestyle changes can prevent some hernias from recurring. The most important is to keep body weight under control, as a high BMI can make you prone to hernia. Heavy lifting can also lead to hernias occurring.

What are the risks of leaving a hernia untreated?

If the hernia is asymptomatic or the patient is not fit to undergo surgery. In most other cases, the benefits of operating on the hernia far outweigh the risks.

Mr Sebastian Smolarek is a highly-experienced consultant colorectal surgeon based in Plymouth. If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Smolarek you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.