Hernia
What is a hernia?
A hernia is a protrusion of the peritoneal sac through a natural opening, which may contain internal organs. This protrusion forms a more or less large, visible bulge that is usually reducible, meaning it can shrink or disappear without straining. A consequence of muscle weakness, a hernia occurs through the abdominal wall, always in specific locations corresponding to particular areas of the anatomy.
What is an inguinal hernia?
Very common in the groin crease, a hernia protrudes through the abdominal wall via the inguinal canal, which normally carries the spermatic cord in men and the round ligament (suspensory ligament of the uterus) in women. Men are ten times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than women. An inguinal hernia can be congenital or acquired (resulting from a weakening of the abdominal muscle wall). It is called an inguinal hernia when the hernial sac remains confined to and above the groin, and an inguinoscrotal hernia when it extends into the scrotum.
The contents of the hernial sac most often contain either omentum (fatty apron of the stomach) or intestine.
What is the treatment for a hernia?
The goal of modern treatment should prioritize techniques that allow for maximum post-operative comfort, a short recovery period, and a low rate of recurrence or complication.
The choice of surgical technique takes into account the following factors: the patient's age, the size of the hernia, whether it is a primary or recurrent hernia, whether it is bilateral, and the anesthetic risk. 90% of procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, either under local, general, or spinal anesthesia (puncture of the back with administration of a local anesthetic).
Treatment involves closing or reducing the diameter of the inguinal opening through which the hernia protruded using sutures, while bringing the muscles together. Often, it is necessary to insert a non-absorbable tissue prosthesis to cover the weak opening in the hernia area. This "mesh" is gradually filled with scar tissue and, after a few weeks, forms a very strong additional muscular layer.