What does a hernia look like?

A hernia develops when a portion of tissue breaks through a weakened region of the body, usually the abdomen.

There are various types of hernias; some of the most common types include the following:

• An epigastric hernia is a hernia that forms in the epigastric part of the stomach, underneath the ribcage, and just above the belly button. You can tell if you develop this type of hernia when you cough, laugh or experience a bowel movement.
• A femoral hernia develops when tissue breaks through an area in the groin or inner thigh. You will know you have this hernia when a small or medium-sized lump forms in the groin.
• Hiatal hernia is noticeable because the stomach will protrude through an area in the diaphragm. A hiatal hernia causes gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and heartburn.
• An inguinal hernia

  arises when fat or a piece of the intestine ruptures through the lower region of the stomach wall.

• An umbilical hernia occurs when a tissue portion breaks through the belly button or umbilicus.

What does hernia repair entail?

Open surgery is conducted while you are under a regional anaesthetic. However, in most cases, a general anaesthetic is administered. First, one long incision about 6-8 cm long is made over the hernia. Then, Dr van der Westhuizen pushes the displaced tissue or piece of bowel into position and places a surgical mesh over the area to strengthen it. Finally, she closes the site using stitches. However, in case of a strangulated hernia, she removes the affected portion and re-joins the ends of the remaining bowel.

Keyhole or laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and involves a much faster recovery than an open procedure. Instead of a large incision, Dr van der Westhuizen creates about three smaller cuts over the hernia. Next, a slender tube with a light attached to it (laparoscope) is placed through the incision. Finally, other surgical equipment is placed through the incisions to pull the hernia in place.

Primarily, there exist two forms of keyhole surgery which include the following:

• Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) entails inserting surgical tools through the abdomen's muscular wall and the peritoneum. First, a piece of the peritoneum is pulled over the hernia. Afterwards, Dr van der Westhuizen glues or staples the mesh over the weakened part of the abdominal wall.
• Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) is the latest keyhole surgery that involves repairing the hernia without penetrating the peritoneal cavity. Finally, Dr van der Westhuizen closes the incisions using stitches or biologically safe surgical glue.