General surgeons perform more hernia operations than any other type of surgery. This condition can occur in children and adults although men over 45 are more likely to develop them. The most common type to affect individuals is abdominal hernias that occur in the groin, known as inguinal hernias. It is estimated that 4.5 million Americans suffer from these specific types with 177,000 individuals having surgical repair each year. Babies can also develop them if they are born with weak abdominal muscles. This condition will usually occur before the baby reaches two years old. This is more likely to occur when babies are born premature.
What Is A Hernia?
Inguinal hernias are bulges that can be felt or seen, caused by the bowel and fat tissue slipping through a weakened area of the abdominal muscles and into the groin. The bowels are kept in place by the muscles of the abdominal wall that begin just below the ribs and run down into the groin. When born, there is a natural opening located between the abdominal muscles in the groin area known as the inguinal canal. This canal is much larger in men than in women. In males, the testicles go through this canal into the scrotum. Females have a band of tissue that runs through the canal to hold the womb in place. The inguinal opening typically closes after birth or before the age of 2. Normally the abdominal muscles are strong enough to hold the bowel into place, but in some individuals, these muscles can have weak spots. If the weak spot becomes weaker, the bowel, fat and the layer of tissue that covers the bowel will fall, creating a pouch or sac.
Causes and Treatment
Hernias can occur as a result of weak abdominal muscles when born if the inguinal canal does not close properly. Coughing or straining while having a bowel movement or lifting heavy objects can also cause the abdominal muscles to become damaged. If one develops that causes pain or limits activity, it should be surgically repaired. Depending on the type, there are different surgical procedures to correct this condition. The general surgeon in Chula Vista CA may choose to do an open surgery, which involves making an incision over the affected area and separating the tissue to identify the weak spot or hole and then repair it using sutures. The surgeon may also choose to perform a laparoscopic repair if the hernia reoccurs after open surgical repair. This procedure requires only small incisions to be made near the area to place a mesh over the damaged area.
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