What are hernias and how do they appear

A hernia is the abnormal exit of tissue of the abdominal cavity (with organs or without them) through inborn or aquired  weak spot on the abdominal wall (navel cavity, groin).

Hernias of the abdominal wall represent one of the most common pathological conditions amongst humans. It is estimated that one in ten persons in the world would have a hernia throughout their life. Hernias are one of the most frequent illnesses, which can only be treated by surgical interventions. Today, this is one a routine surgery in the field of general surgery.

Hernias can be inborn and they appear in children when some openings (navel cavity, groin) on the abdominal wall are not completely closed. They are most evident postpartum. These hernias usually withdraw when the child begins walking and strenghtens abdominal musles.

Hernias can be  acquired. They appear in grown ups when abdominal cavities expand and form a defect in the musculo-aponeurotic and fascial structures through which tissue abnormaly exits.

Third major group of hernias are postoperative hernias which appear when operative wounds in the abdominal area do not heal completely.

What are the reasons for a hernia’s appearance

Hernias commonly develop during some physical activity when the pressure in abdominal cavity increases abruptly and pushes the abdominal tissue through the cavities and expands them (lifting or pushing heavy weights, strain while urinating, coughing, sneezing). A significant factor for hernia development in elderly persons is weakening and degeneration of the abdominal wall.

There are certain predispositions which affect hernia development, such as gender (hernias are more common in men), constitution, inheritance (it is more common in family relatives), age (the frequency hightens with age), obesity, and prolonged carrying of heavy weights, prior operations, multiple pregnancies.

Risk factors for a hernia development are all conditions which increse the pressure in the abdominal cavity (difficulty while defecating, difficulty urinating, severe cough, severe sneezing, sudden lifting of large loads, pregnancy), obesity, physical inactivity, smoking...