4 minute read
know your body: all about the belly button
the navel has a bit of a story, from innies and outies to hernias.
hernia: do you know the signs?
hernias do not typically get better on their own and, if left untreated, can grow larger and lead to further complications — some which are life-threatening.
the best way to avoid a hernia is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise and eat a diet rich in fruits, grains and vegetables. getty
a hernia occurs when an organ or other soft tissue protrudes through an opening in the abdominal wall, creating a visible bulge. the condition can be caused or worsened by any activity or medical issue that results in pressure being placed on the muscles of the abdominal wall. hernias can be present since birth or develop slowly over time and most commonly occur in the abdomen (between the chest and hips) or in the groin area. common types of hernias, according to the canadian hernia society, include inguinal (near the groin), umbilical (belly button), ventral (middle of the abdominal wall, incisional (near a surgical incision) and femoral (lower abdomen, near the thigh).
symptoms of a hernia
the most obvious sign of a hernia is a noticeable bulge in the abdomen that can be pushed back inside or vanish when lying down. according to the cleveland clinic, any activity that exerts pressure on the abdominal muscles, such as laughing, coughing or straining during a bowel movement, can make the bulge reappear. other signs of the condition include:
- swelling or bulging in the groin or scrotum that may increase over time
- pain or in the area of the bulge or when lifting
- a dull ache in the area
- a sense of feeling full or of a bowel obstruction
related stories
advertisement
diagnosing a hernia
the condition is usually confirmed by the obvious presence of a bulge or through a physical inspection by a doctor. in the case of an inguinal hernia, for example, a doctor will inspect the groin and testicles and ask a patient to cough. if an inspection is inconclusive, a ct scan might be required.around 75 to 80 per cent of all hernias are inguinal or femoral and caused by a combination of weakened or aging muscles and long-term pressure on the abdominal wall or groin area. roughly three to 10 per cent of hernias are umbilical with 10 to 20 per cent of these occurring in newborns. umbilical hernias in infants usually close on their own by the age of five.
how is a hernia treated?
hernias do not typically get better on their own and, if left untreated, can grow larger and lead to further complications — some life-threatening. depending on the results of a physical examination, patients may be referred for surgery to correct the issue. sometimes a surgical mesh is used to reinforce the repair site and help tissue heal properly. the use of this surgical tool has become controversial because of chronic pain and other complications that patients believe to be related to the mesh adhering to tissue and hardening as the wound heals.according to an advisory issued by the canadian hernia society, the majority of patients experience no such issues and the complications that have been reported have also been observed in hernia procedures that do not use mesh.
advertisement
one promising avenue of research into hernia surgery has focused alleviating these concerns through the use of a three-dimensional biomesh that reduces inflammation and minimizes the likelihood of tissue attaching to the mesh.
there are three types of surgeries commonly used to correct a hernia:
- open surgery. an incision is made in the area of the hernia, tissue and intestines are pushed back in and the abdominal wall is sealed
- laparoscopic surgery. instead of one large incision, multiple tiny incisions are made in the area to allow surgical tools to enter and seal the abdominal opening
- robotic hernia repair. also performed via small incisions but the surgeon sits at a console in the operating room. used for smaller hernias and to rebuild the abdominal wall
preventing a hernia
the best way to avoid a hernia is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise and eat a diet rich in fruits, grains and vegetables (and unlikely to cause constipation). do not attempt to lift anything too heavy and use proper technique when lifting or working out. avoid smoking as it can result in the type of coughing that can exacerbate the issue.
prevalence of hernias
while statistics are hard to come by, one study says hernia surgery is the third most commonly performed surgical procedure in canada, with around 50,000 conducted on an annual basis. it is estimated that inguinal hernias have a prevalence of between three and four per cent of the population and a lifetime incidence of 27 per cent in men and three per cent in women.
advertisement
support for hernias
the canadian hernia society is one source for the latest news and information about hernias, including tips to follow before and after surgery. if you are looking to connect with other patients,hernia talk features a forum where you can hear stories from others and share your own experiences.
dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.
thank you for your support. if you liked this story, please send it to a friend. every share counts.
share story
