Hernias occur when an organ protrudes through an opening in the muscular wall or tissue that holds the organ in place. These are common and most commonly occur in the abdomen. They can also occur in the groin, belly button or upper thigh.Many people don't realize that they have one. Usually, they are not life-threatening. But some cause potentially dangerous complications that require surgery.The most common type is an inguinal hernia. Most of these occur in men. It's when the intestines push through the inguinal canal, the area where the spermatic cord passes through to the testicles. The testicles pass through the inguinal canal shortly after birth. The canal is supposed to close afterward, but sometimes, it fails to close leading to a hernia later in life.
The diagnosis is straightforward, usually by physical exam. The bulge becomes larger when you stand or cough. A hiatal hernia is diagnosed with a barium X-ray or through endoscopy.Surgery is considered only when these is a risk of the intestine becoming strangulated. Should this occur, it is a medical emergency. What are the 7 most common symptoms of a hernia?
The diagnosis is straightforward, usually by physical exam. The bulge becomes larger when you stand or cough. A hiatal hernia is diagnosed with a barium X-ray or through endoscopy.Surgery is considered only when these is a risk of the intestine becoming strangulated. Should this occur, it is a medical emergency. What are the 7 most common symptoms of a hernia?