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Hernia
WHAT IS A HERNIA ?
A hernia (rupture) is usually noticed as a lump, commonly in the
groin or the umbilical region. It appears when a portion of the
tissue which lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) breaks through
a weakened area of the abdominal wall. This can give rise to
discomfort as the hernia enlarges and can sometimes be dangerous if
a piece of intestine becomes trapped ('strangulated') inside.
The most common location for hernia is
the abdomen. The abdominal wall - a sheet of tough muscle and tendon
that runs down from the ribs to the legs at the groins - acts as
'nature's corset'. Its function, amongst other things, is to hold in
the abdominal contents, principally the intestines.
If a weakness should open up in that
wall, and it does not really matter how or why it happened (more on
this later), then the 'CORSET EFFECT' is lost and what pushes
against it from the inside (the intestines) simply pushes through
the 'window'. The ensuing bulge, which is often quite visible
against the skin, is the hernia. These
'windows of weakness' commonly occur
where there are natural weaknesses in our abdominal wall -
such as where the 'plumbing' goes through it. Examples of these are
the canals (inguinal and femoral) which allow passage of vessels
down to the scrotum and the legs, respectively. The umbilical area
(navel) is another area of natural weakness frequently prone to
hernia. Another area of potential weakness can be the site(s) of any
previous abdominal surgery. The ONLY way to
stop a hernia getting worse is to repair the defect
surgically. There are, however, several ways of doing this and the
results vary widely. What follows explains most of them and
describes various aspects related to the different types of hernia.
How do Hernias happen?
The wall of the abdomen, comprising muscle and tendon, performs
several functions, one of which is to provide strong support to the
internal organs which are exerting significant outward pressure. The
opening of a gap in the tissue can occur of its own accord at a
point of natural weakness, or by over-stretching a part of the
tissue. Overexertion can cause it, but so could a simple cough or
sneeze. The occurrence of the gap in the abdominal wall is not
normally, of itself, a problem. The problems result from the ensuing
bulge of intestine through the gap. The effects felt by the patient
can range from being perfectly painless, through discomfort, to
being very painful indeed. Almost every movement we make puts
additional pressure on the internal tissues which, in turn, push out
through the opening a little more each time. This also enlarges the
opening itself. If unchecked, this process can continue even to the
extent of allowing much of the intestine to hang down through the
hernia.
Can Hernias get better?
The opening of a hernia cannot heal itself, neither can any medicine
be used to cure the condition. The long term course, therefore, is
for a hernia to become steadily worse as time goes on, sometimes
slowly and sometimes quickly. The only remedy for the condition is
to repair the hernia surgically.
The Cancer Group Institute's materials explain, in plain English,
the definition, types, risk factors, frequency, symptoms,
evaluation, historical and latest effective treatment for hernias.
The material describes the specifics of radical surgery, radiation,
hormones and combination therapies with their results. It will tell
you everything you must know to help make the right choices today
for a hernia problem. To order more information
http://www.yourhealth.com |
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