The abdominal wall is made up of a sheet of muscle which in some individuals may be weak or can become weak. When a weakness occurs, the contents within the abdominal cavity such as bowel or abdominal fat can bulge through a weakness in the sheet of muscle causing a pain, protrusion and swelling known as a hernia.

The main symptoms of a hernia are swelling and pain over the site of the bulging hernia. If a hernia is left untreated it can become strangulated and this can lead to increased pain, fever, a risk of peritonitis (infection) and a potential surgical emergency.

TYPES OF HERNIA AND TREATMENT OPTIONS EXPLAINED

There are a number of different types of hernia, most of which can be easily and routinely repaired if caught at an early stage.

Hernia's are classified as follows:-

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is a hernia of the groin area, which most commonly occurs in men. It can develop on one side of the groin (unilateral) or on both sides (bilateral). Those who suffer with this condition usually complain of a sharp pain and swelling in the groin area after lifting something heavy.
There are two ways to repair this type of hernia, one traditional procedure involving a open cut about 8cms in length and one more up to date procedure involving a laparoscope to provide 'key hole' surgery through 3 tiny cuts, the largest of which is only 1.2cms in length. Both procedures allow the surgeon to push back the protruding bowel, close the gap where the protrusion originally occurred and seal the gap permanently, but the laparoscopic method is far less painful, quicker recovery for patients and causes less wound problems. The "key hole" operation is performed under general. For open hernia repair, local or general anaesthetic can be used, dependent on the level of fitness, size of the hernia and preference of each patient.
The use of a special mesh to cover and repair the gap in the muscle rather than the use of traditional deep tension stitches to pull the gap tightly closed is also a relatively new procedure and produces superior results in terms of a more comfortable and speedier recovery, as well as a much lower rate of failed procedures.
The use of mesh over stitches is known as a 'tension free' repair and if this can be combined with the use of a laparoscopic technique, most patients will be fit to be discharged just a few hours following surgery and be able to get back to normal activity after a few days.
Due to Mr Agwunobi specialist training and experience in both Laparoscopic and 'tension free' surgical techniques, every patient requiring a hernia repair can be assured that if they are a suitable candidate for this technique then they will be selected for this superior and more comfortable hernia repair option.

Epigastric Hernia

This type of hernia is caused by a weakness developing between the middle of the rectus muscle. The rectus muscle is the muscle commonly referred to as the 'six pack' muscle and in fit, lean individuals this can be clearly seen in the lower chest/upper abdominal area. This muscle is actually made up of two muscles, the left and right rectus muscle and in good health these two muscles are fused together. In those with an epigastric hernia a small gap in the normally fused area opens up, allowing usually internal fat but occasionally bowel to protrude especially in larger hernias. This type of hernia can be exquisitely tender and painful but because the protrusion is not usually bowel it is rarely dangerous. An operation to repair this type of hernia can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
This type of hernia can also be repaired with a laparoscope (key hole method) as described above if it is of moderate to a large size or by an open tension free technique. The fat is pushed back through the gap in the rectus muscle and the defect is stitched up and if the gap is greater than 2cms then it is reinforced with a special mesh. The use of mesh over stitches is known as a 'tension free' repair.

Incisional Hernia

Incisional hernias occur when a previous wound from surgery creates a weakness in the muscle wall. Often this type of hernia develops because too much tension was placed on the muscle wall when the abdominal incision was originally stitched together. This type of hernia can occur at any time from immediately after surgery to many years later, although most will develop within two years of surgery. This type of hernia can present with or without a bulge in the early stage and then progress to become a substantial bulge which can strangulate if not repaired. Most incisional hernia nowadays can be repaired by modern key hole approach which minimises wound problems and enhances quicker physical recovery. The size and severity of the incisional hernia will dictate if this type of hernia can be repaired laparoscopically or not.

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernias can be congenital, which means you were born with the defect. Most are caused by small gaps in the abdominal wall not developing properly or opening up around the umbilicus (tummy button) and are easily detected as a bulge in babies just after they are born. These types of hernias are typically repaired soon after birth or in early childhood. Umbilical hernias can also develop in conditions that cause increases in intra-abdominal pressure such as pregnancy, obesity and in those with excessive and abnormal abdominal fluid (ascites) from conditions such as chronic liver disease. Umbilical hernias over 2cm's in length should always be repaired with a 'tension free' mesh technique. (please see detailed explanation on tension free techniques under inguinal hernia).

Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia is more common in women than men, it presents in a very similar manner to an inguinal hernia, although the site of the bulge is slightly lower in the groin area. This type of hernia is at high risk of becoming strangulated and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid the risk of strangulation.

ARE YOU IN NEED OF EXPERT HELP WITH YOUR HERNIA?

If you are unfortunate enough to have a hernia the only method of treatment is surgery, although how that hernia is actually repaired will have a significant impact on how speedy your recovery and how successful your result will be. Developments of 'tension mesh' treatments performed under local anaesthetic with a laparoscope will significantly improve the comfort and speed of your recovery after surgery and if you are a suitable candidate for this surgical option, then Mr Agwunobi will certainly perform your hernia repair in this way.

How Do I Find Out If I Am A Suitable Candidate for a Modern Hernia Repair?

Mr Agwunobi understands the significant importance of the surgical repair you are considering and will spend time with you in consultation examining your problem in detail and considering the very best surgical option for you. At consultation you will be given both detailed information about the treatment options you are suitable for and encouraged to ask as many questions as would like. If after careful consideration you decide to have your hernia repaired, then you will be treated swiftly at a time schedule to suit your personal needs and obligations.

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about your Hernia Repair options and discover if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, please telephone 0161 432 2061, email or use the Contact form to organise a consultation appointment.