A hernia is a bulging of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. Typically, a hernia involves the stomach or intestine. Symptoms may include a bulge, swelling or pain but in some cases, there are no symptoms. Hernias usually don’t get better on their own and they tend to get bigger. However, if there are no symptoms it may not need surgery at all. Dr. Hannington will be able to assess your hernia and determine the best course of action. Hernias are named according to the anatomical site where it is found.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The type of surgery will depend on the location of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms. A hernia repair may be done through open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic is generally preferred where possible due to reduced healing times, however there are cases where open repairs offer much better results than laparoscopic repairs. You will be placed under general general anaesthesia for the procedure. The tissue or organ coming through the hole will be put back into its correct position. Then the opening through which the tissue bulged is closed with sutures, mesh, or both, to ensure the hernia doesn’t recur.
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TYPES OF HERNIAS
INGUINAL HERNIA
Inguinal hernias occur in the grown when part of the intestine pushes through a weakness in the lower belly and affects an area of the groin called the inguinal canal.
UMBILICAL HERNIA
Umbilical hernias occur at the belly button, when fat or part of the intestine pushes through the muscle. They are common in newborn babies under 6 months, but often these do not require surgery. Other risk factors include being overweight, multiple pregnancies, long-term cough, difficulty peeing, chronic constipation or repeated vomiting.​
INCISIONAL HERNIA
Incisional hernias can occur after you have had abdominal surgery and tissue pokes through a surgical wound that hasn’t totally healed.