We Treat Abdominal Wall Hernias in Brisbane
Wide Range of Surgical Treatments
Support for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Non-Judgemental Practitioners
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias are a very common hernia type. They are protrusions of contents of the abdominal cavity, through a weakness at the umbilicus (belly button).
Causes
Umbilical hernias are formed as a consequence of a natural weakness in the layers of the abdominal wall in the belly button region, as a result of the umbilical cord travelling through the navel during our development as a foetus.
Symptoms
Umbilical hernias can cause pain and discomfort. If they become strangulated, bits of bowel can become trapped and even perforated if urgent surgery is not performed. This is extremely rare for umbilical hernias, however. If asymptomatic, they can usually therefore be left alone.
Tests
Normally, simple history and examination is all that’s required to diagnose umbilical hernias. Some patients may require an Ultrasound or CT scan if no hernia is found on examination of the area.
Groin Hernia
Groin hernias, otherwise known as ‘inguinal’ or ‘femoral’ hernias, are the most common hernia type. They are protrusions of contents of the abdominal cavity, through a weakness in its wall.
Causes
Groin hernias are particularly common in men, formed as a consequence of weakness in the layers of the abdominal wall in the groin region, as a result of the testes migrating through this area around the time of birth.
Symptoms
Hernias can cause pain and discomfort. If they become strangulated, bits of bowel can become trapped and even perforated if urgent surgery is not performed to fix the hernia.
Tests
Normally simple history and examination is all that’s required to diagnose groin hernias. Some patients may require an Ultrasound or CT scan if no hernia is found on examination of the area.
Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernias are protrusions of contents of the abdominal cavity, through a previous surgical scar / incision.
Causes
Incisional hernias are formed as a consequence of a failure of healing at previous surgical wound sites. This can happen as a consequence of obesity, smoking, diabetes and any other chronic medical condition or medication that leads to impaired wound healing.
Symptoms
Incisional hernias can cause pain and discomfort. If they become strangulated, bits of bowel can become trapped and even perforated if urgent surgery is not performed. Bowel obstruction from adhesions in the hernia is another common problem. A large bulge from the abdominal wall is another common finding.
Tests
Normally, simple history and examination is all that’s required to diagnose incisional hernias. Some patients may require an Ultrasound or CT scan if no hernia is found on examination of the area.
