What Is a Hernia?

Understanding a Hernia

A hernia may involve fat, bowel, or other abdominal contents passing through the weakened area and forming a small sac beneath the skin.

A useful way to understand this is to imagine the inner tube of a tyre pushing through a weak point in the outer rubber. In much the same way, the inner lining of the abdominal cavity can protrude through the abdominal wall and form a hernia.

Symptoms and Risks

Hernias can cause pain, discomfort, pressure, or a visible lump, particularly with lifting, coughing, straining, or exercise.

• Pain or discomfort with activity
• Pressure or dragging sensation
• Visible lump or swelling
• Symptoms that may worsen over time

In some cases, bowel can become trapped within the hernia, causing severe pain and requiring urgent or emergency surgery.

Who Gets a Hernia?

Both men and women can develop a hernia. Some people are born with a natural weakness in the abdominal wall, while others develop a hernia over time.

• Natural weakness present from birth
• Wear and tear over time
• Heavy lifting or repeated strain
• Pregnancy
• Ageing
• Previous abdominal surgery

Do Hernias Go Away?

A hernia does not usually get better on its own. Most hernias gradually become larger over time and may become more troublesome and more complex to repair if left untreated.

Early assessment is often the best way to keep repair simpler and recovery easier.

The Most Common Types of Hernia

• Inguinal hernia — a groin hernia and the most common type
• Umbilical hernia — a hernia at or near the belly button
• Incisional hernia — a hernia through a previous surgical scar

Specialist Hernia Treatment

At Brisbane Hernia Clinic, we provide expert assessment and treatment of groin hernias, umbilical hernias, incisional hernias, recurrent hernias, and complex abdominal wall hernias.

Treatment options include open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques tailored to the individual patient.

Call Dr Watson
Call A/Professor McGregor