Hernia, as a common surgical disease, often occurs in clinical practice. Although hernia is not a life-threatening disease, if left untreated, it can bring a series of discomforts and complications to patients. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the definition, common types, and treatment methods of hernias, in order to increase public awareness and understanding of hernias.
1、 The definition and etiology of hernia
Hernia refers to an organ or tissue in the body leaving its normal anatomical site and entering another site through congenital or acquired weak points, defects, or pores. Hernia most commonly occurs in the abdomen, with abdominal hernias being more common than external hernias. Abdominal external hernia is formed by the protrusion of organs or tissues in the abdominal cavity, along with the peritoneal wall layer, through the weak points or pores of the abdominal wall, towards the surface of the body. The decrease in abdominal wall strength and the increase in intra-abdominal pressure are the two main causes of external abdominal hernia.
Hernia can be divided into two categories: congenital and acquired.
Congenital hernia refers to a hernia caused by abnormal formation of the abdominal wall during embryonic development. This may involve developmental defects in the abdominal wall muscles or connecting tissues, where muscles and tissues become thinner or missing, resulting in an outlet for hernias. Common congenital hernias include umbilical hernia and inguinal hernia.
Acquired hernia refers to a hernia that occurs when the abdominal muscles or connecting tissues become weaker or damaged during daily life, work, or other activities. These factors include prolonged heavy physical labor, muscle relaxation, acute or chronic cough, obesity, and increased abdominal pressure. Weakening or damage to abdominal muscles can lead to tissue prolapse and the formation of hernia sacs. Common acquired hernias include inguinal hernia, rectal prolapse, and diaphragmatic hernia.
Whether congenital or acquired hernia, defects in abdominal wall muscles or tissues can cause internal organs to pass through the abdominal wall or other tissues to form a hernia sac, leading to the appearance of hernia symptoms. These symptoms include palpable protrusions, abdominal pain, discomfort, gastrointestinal dysfunction, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal swelling. Severe hernias may lead to complications such as insufficient visceral blood supply or intestinal obstruction.
2、 Common types of hernias
1. Inguinal hernia: Inguinal hernia is one of the most common types of hernias, with inguinal hernia and inguinal hernia being the most common. Inguinal hernia refers to the hernia sac protruding through the deep ring of the inguinal canal on the outer side of the abdominal wall artery, obliquely passing inward, downward, and forward through the inguinal canal, then passing through the superficial inguinal ring and entering the scrotum. Inguinal hernia is the most common external abdominal hernia, which can be seen in children or adults. Inguinal hernia is a condition where the hernia sac protrudes directly from the posterior to the anterior through the triangular area of the lower abdominal artery, without passing through the inner ring or entering the scrotum. It is more common in elderly people.
2. Navel hernia: Navel hernia is a type of abdominal wall hernia that usually occurs in the area around the navel. This type of hernia is often caused by excessive relaxation of the surrounding tissues of the navel, and can be seen in newborns and adults.
3、 Treatment methods for hernias
1. Observational conservative treatment: For small, asymptomatic, or elderly patients, observational conservative treatment can be chosen. This includes avoiding excessive force, controlling weight, and wearing a groin brace. But regular follow-up is needed. Once hernia sac entrapment or complications occur, surgical treatment should be promptly converted.
2. Surgical treatment: For patients with large hernias, symptoms, or complications, surgery is the most common and effective treatment method. Surgery can be performed through traditional open hernia repair or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery is currently the most commonly used surgical method; There are mainly two methods: transabdominal retroperitoneal repair (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal repair (TEP).
Hernia is a common surgical disease that is closely related to factors such as damage or excessive relaxation of abdominal muscles and ligaments. Common types of hernias include inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, and abdominal wall hernia. The treatment methods mainly include observing conservative treatment and surgical treatment. For patients, early detection and timely treatment of hernias can avoid the impact of complications and discomfort, and improve their quality of life.