c l i n i c a l f o l i o s : n a r r a t i v e





A D V E R T I S E M E N T

 

Informed Patient's FAQ on Hernia Repair: 7

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   
 

Did I do something wrong to cause the hernia? 

It is a misconception that a sudden violent strain causes an acute "rupture". Both congenital and acquired hernias dilate as pressure is exerted from inside in the course of normal activities. Babies' hernias are commonly noted when the baby is crying during a diaper change or in the bath. Hernias in adults gradually enlarge as the tissues stretch until symptoms develop or the hernia is seen by a doctor during a physical examination.     

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Informed Patient's FAQ on Hernia Repair: 8

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   
 

Why repair a hernia? 

The most important reason to repair a hernia (or "herniorrhaphy") is that an important structure such as bowel will get into the hernia and can be damaged. When a structure becomes trapped (incarcerated) in a hernia so that the bulge cannot be gently pushed back in (reduced), the blood supply to the structure may be cut off (strangulated). If the structure such as bowel loses its blood supply, it will die. Perforation and infection will ensue, creating a life-threatening situation. Elective repair should be done before such a catastrophe occurs.    

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Informed Patient's FAQ on Hernia Repair: 9

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   
 

The hernia will not go away by itself. It will become larger with time as the abdominal pressure exerted with activity stretches the defect and tissues farther. The weaker the tissues and the bigger the defect, the less the surgeon will have to work with and the greater will be the chance for recurrence. In addition, as the body ages, the tissues naturally become weaker. As the patient gets older, other medical conditions may arise which would complicate hernia repair and increase the risk of surgery. For these reasons, a newly-discovered hernia should be repaired within a reasonable time.     

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This page was last modified on 2/15/1999.