What is a Hernia?

Fix My Hernia

What is a Hernia?

Quite simply put a hernia is sac of tissues or fluid that protrude through an acquired or naturally occuring defect in the abdominal wall.

Hernias which present in old scars from prior surgery are called incisional hernias

Other hernias may develop through a natural opening or weakness in the abdominal wall. These may include the following:

-Umbilical Hernias

-Groin Hernias (direct, indirect and femoral)

-Other (Spigellian, obturator, lumbar)

Because hernias are a "defect" in the abdominal wall they will not heal themselves. They must be repaired surgically.

J. Douglas Reid III, MD, FACS, 3 St. Francis Dr, Suite 490, Greenville, SC 29615