Have you ever heard the expression "spill your guts"? This is somewhat of a comical term - but ever since I found out what a abdominal hernia was it does not seem so funny any more. Some may consider an abdominal hernia as a real life spilling your guts - but not exactly. Lets take a closer look at what a abdominal hernia is.

An abdominal hernia is caused when the fatty tissue or an organ will push the lining on the inside of the abdominal wall through a weakened part in the abdominal muscles. The area might be weakened due to age, birth, or past surgical incisions.

The bulge that it creates will become very noticeable and can hold tissue, fat, and intestines. Doctors do have the ability to reduce the bulge by pushing the tissue or fat back into the abdominal cavity that it came from. If successful the hernia will become flat and will disappear all together.

Being able to reduce it will depend on how far it is sticking through the abdominal wall and how well the abdominal muscles are holding it in. If the hernia is not able to be reduced they will repair it with surgery. Without surgery the hernia - which might contain intestine - can lose its supply of blood and die because of strangulation. Strangulation from an intestine can block digestions, cause immense pain, and gangrene in the area of the intestine. Emergency surgery will help to repair it.

Traditional Repair Surgery

Traditional hernia repair surgery is when the surgeon will make an incision in the wall of the abdomen close to the hernia. They will move the hernia back into the abdomen and close it while repairing and making the damaged part of the abdominal wall even stronger.

Hernia Repair Surgery

This is the most effective and most popular method of treatment that doctors will prescribe for patients. There are risks still involved in this surgery as with any surgery. However, if the surgery is successful you will have no more pain and discomfort from the hernia.

Laparoscopy

During laparoscopy a fiber optic viewing tube and other instruments are used to help repair the hernia. During this procedure you will not have to worry about a large surgical incision being made. You will recover faster than if you were to use surgery.

Supportive Truss

There is a special garment that is used that helps to reduce the symptoms and causes of a hernia. This is called a truss. It is an elastic brief or band that will hold the hernia into the abdomen and keep it flat. While this can keep the hernia from sticking out it will not cure it.

Abdominal Hernia Symptoms

Pain while coughing

Pain when lifting anything

Bulge underneath the akin near the abdomen

Pain during bowel movements

Pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time