Ernesto Escobar, MDA hernia is a defect or opening in the abdominal wall or groin through which intra-abdominal contents—such as intestines, fat, or bladder—protrude toward the skin and soft tissues. The most common types of hernias include Umbilical (around the navel), Inguinal (in the groin), and Incisional Herniae (resulting from previous surgeries). These are often visible and can be better characterized using imaging studies such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scan).
Ventral herniae can be classified as primary (not related to prior surgery) or incisional (associated with previous surgical procedures).
Risk Factors
Some of the most relevant risk factors for developing both primary ventral and inguinal herniae include: obesity, pregnancy, physical inactivity, chronic coughing, smoking, or engaging in strenuous physical activity without prior conditioning.
Complications
An untreated hernia represents a potential threat to both health and life. It may lead to chronic physiological complications such as urinary incontinence, lower back pain, constipation, or, more seriously, catastrophic outcomes including necrosis (tissue death) of the herniated content and death.
Hiatal Hernia
Another type of hernia that is not externally visible is the hiatal hernia, in which a portion of the stomach migrates upward into the thoracic cavity. Diagnosis is typically made via endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal (GI) series imaging. This condition is commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, acid regurgitation, dental erosion due to cavities, halitosis, recurrent pneumonia, worsening of asthma, and the most feared complication: esophageal or throat cancer.
Treatment
Depending on the type of hernia, the most appropriate treatment may be offered either through Minimally Invasive Surgery (laparoscopy, involving small incisions) or Conventional Open Surgery, especially in cases involving previous surgical incisions.