Hernia
A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall. When straining or coughing the pressure in the abdomen rises and abdominal contents can bulge through the weak area. The most common site for a hernia is the groin (inguinal or femoral hernia) with umbilical and incisional hernia (at the site of previous surgery) also common.
A hernia may result in very few symptoms or it may cause discomfort from the bulging. On rare occasions a loop of intestine may become trapped in a hernia and result in obstruction or strangulation of the bowel – this is an emergency and requires prompt surgery.
A hernia will usually require surgery to fix it. Surgery involves returning any bulging contents to the abdominal cavity and repairing the weakness usually with a piece of mesh. Laparoscopic (keyhole) or open operations are possible and the ideal procedure will depend on individual circumstances.
Photo: Eugene Hyland, Newspix
See also:
Areas of Speciality
Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Certificate in Post-fellowship training in transplant surgery
- Member of International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- Member of Australian and New Zealand Hepatic, Pancreatic and Biliary Association
- Member of International Liver Transplantation Society
- Member of Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand
Save Lives - Become An Organ Donor
Australia is a world leader in successful organ transplants but a shortage of donors means that around 1600 people are waiting at any one time for a life-saving or life-improving transplant.