Hernia surgery Gold Coast

Understanding hernias: types and treatments

Hernias are common medical conditions that occur when internal tissue or organs push through a weak spot in the body’s muscular wall. On this page, we will explore the different types, including hiatus, femoral, inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias. We will explain what they are and how they can be treated.

Hernia explained

What are hernias?

Hernias occur when an organ or internal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall just below your skin. As a result, you can see a bulge or lump under your skin.

Hernias are very common and they can occur in different parts of the body. Here’s an overview of the different types of hernia:

Femoral hernia

When a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through the femoral canal, a small opening near the groin.

Inguinal hernia

When a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal.

Umbilical hernia

When a section of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak area in or around the belly button.

Incisional hernia

When tissue or organs protrude through a previous surgical incision in the abdominal wall.

There is one other type of hernia, called hiatus hernia, that occurs in the upper part of the stomach (and not in the abdominal wall, unlike the others).

Hiatus hernia:

When the upper part of the stomach bulges into the chest through a weak spot in the diaphragm, causing symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn.

Hernia surgeon Gold Coast

How are hernias treated?

Most hernias will require surgery. The primary goal of hernia surgery is to place the protruding tissue or organ back in its normal position and repair the weakened area.

Although some small hernias can occasionally be ‘reduced’ or ‘pushed back in’ most hernias will require hernia repair. Protruding internal tissue or organs can become strangulated – in other words, lose blood supply – which is an emergency situation.

Dr Candice Silverman

Hernia Surgeon Gold Coast

The location and size of the hernia will determine whether laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery or open/conventional surgery is most suitable.

Laparoscopic hernia repair

During laparoscopic surgery, three or four small incisions are made in your abdomen. A laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera on the end, is inserted in one of the incisions to provide a clear view of the surgical area. Then, surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to repair the hernia. The visible lump is gently pushed back in its position and the weakened area is repaired to prevent recurrence.

Open hernia repair

In open surgery, a single large incision is made in the abdomen, allowing direct access to the herniated area. The protruding bulge is gently pushed back in place and the weakened area is repaired.

Whether we choose open or laparoscopic surgery depends on the size and complexity of your hernia and your overall health. Laparoscopic hernia repair often has a quicker recovery time and less postoperative pain compared to open hernia repair. In some cases, open hernia repair may be necessary. If the hernia is large, complex or there are other health complications, open hernia repair may be recommended.

Dr Anna Isaacs

Hernia Surgeon Gold Coast