Mr Russell Hodgson
Copyright © 2017 Mr Russell Hodgson HPB and General Surgeon, Melbourne, Australia
Appointments/Enquiries: 9456 9511
Specialist HPB and General Surgeon
A hernia is a defect in the wall of a body cavity allowing the contents of the cavity to bulge out. The most common hernias are abdominal wall hernias. There are certain places in the abdominal wall which are naturally weak and are common places for hernias. These include the groin (inguinal hernia), the belly button (umbilical hernia), the upper part of the abdomen (epigastric or ventral hernia), and in any place there has been a previous operation (incisional hernia).
Hernias can give a range of symptoms including feeling a lump, discomfort or pain. Occasionally important structures such as the bowel can get stuck in the hernia and this requires emergency surgery. In most situations, surgeons will recommend hernia repair as an elective procedure for either symptom control and/or to prevent bowel getting stuck (incarceration/strangulation).
Hernias are repaired with a variety of techniques, many using synthetic mesh to give strength to the abdominal wall, and can sometimes be performed with keyhole surgery (laparoscopic). Russell will discuss the options with you and help you to decide the most appropriate treatment given the individual circumstances.
