Hernias

Abdominal Wall - Covering the front part of the body below the chest and above the pelvis, the abdominal wall is responsible for containing your internal organs, such as the stomach, large and small intestines, liver and pancreas.

Bowel (or Intestine) - This is a tubular section of the digestive system that connects the stomach to the anus. It has two sections: the small intestine and large intestine.

Bowel Resection - Removal of a section of bowel.

Congenital - A condition present at birth.

Hernia - A hernia is an abnormal bulge of intestines or other body parts through a weakness or opening in the wall of tissue enclosing them.

Hernioplasty - A surgery to repair a hernia using a reinforcement such as mesh or graft.

Herniorrhaphy - A surgery to repair a hernia.

Hiatal Hernia - Occurs at the hiatus—where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. This natural passage may stretch or tear, allowing the stomach or gastroesophageal junction to push through the opening.

Incarcerated Hernia - The intestine is trapped in the hernia sac and cannot be pushed back in. This could cause a blockage in the digestive system. This is an urgent situation.

Incisional Hernia - The muscle layer is weak at the site of a prior surgery where the incision was made, creating a prime location for a hernia.

Inguinal Hernia - This is the most common type of hernia, especially for men. It occurs in the groin area. This is an area of natural weakness, called the inguinal canal.

Laparoscopic Surgery - A less-invasive type of surgery that involves making multiple small incisions in the abdomen. A tiny video camera (endoscope) and small surgical instruments are passed through the incisions. The abdomen is filled with gas to provide a space to operate and move instruments around. The surgeon views the surgical site on a video screen.

Open Surgery - This method of hernia repair involves making a large incision through the abdominal wall to access the hernia site.

Peritoneum - The membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

Primary Hernia - The first hernia to occur at a site.

Recurrent Hernia - When a new hernia appears at the same site where a prior one was repaired.

Remodeling - The regeneration of new tissue in a wound.

Sac - The pouch that has bulged through the weak or open muscle area, formed by stretched peritoneum filled with intestine or tissue.

Spermatic Cord - In men, this is the route of blood vessels, nerves and the vas deferens, running from the abdominal cavity to the testicles.

Strangulated Hernia - A portion of the intestine is tightly trapped by the hernia, compromising the blood supply. This can quickly cause the tissue to die. This is an emergency situation.

Tension-Free Repair - A method of repair that closes the hernia and reduces the tension on the tissue. Typically a mesh or graft is used.

Tension Repair - A method of repairing hernias in which the muscles are pulled together at the defect and sutured, placing a great deal of stress and tension on the repair site.

Umbilical Hernia - Occurs at the navel, a natural weakness in the abdominal wall. Though more common in infants, adults can also experience umbilical hernias.

Ventral Hernia - A ventral hernia occurs in the upper abdomen, between the navel and chest.