Hernias are among the oldest reported ailments known to mankind.
The first descriptions of surgery for an inguinal hernia was in Byzantine Times (A.D. 324-1453) as recorded by;
-Aetius of Amida (6th Century A.D.)
-Paul of Aegina (7th Century A.D.)
Hernias are "lumps" or protrusions of the abdominal wall and are due to a weakness or a "tear" in the tissue or muscles lining the abdominal wall. They are also sometimes called "ruptures" by the non-medical population.
These bulges can evolve over a short or long period of time and occasionally occur suddenly, often associated with varying amounts of pain.
These hernias can be new or "recurrent" after previous surgery.
Symptoms of a groin hernia:
There are several different kinds of hernias:
Groin hernias:
Other abdominal wall hernias:
Hernias within the abdomen:
Any of these hernias can cause severe and chronic pain and disability. They can occasionally cause acute illness and even death from incarceration, strangulation or intestinal obstruction. Once detected, abdominal wall hernias should generally be corrected and require surgery to avoid these potential complications.
Dr. Harris has extensive experience in treating hernias and has trained extensively in the diagnosis, physiology and treatment of hernias. He is a member of the American Hernia Society (www.americanherniasociety.org).
HISTORY OF HERNIAS
3 LANDMARKS:
1) 1888- EDUARDO BASSINI-THE BASSINI REPAIR
2) 1984-ON LAY MESH REPAIR, DR. LICHTENSTEIN
3) 1990- LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR
As a rule, abdominal wall hernias can be repaired by either performing surgical repair from the inside of the abdomen (laparoscopic) or outside (open) and most often using minimally invasive technique.
This applies to both groin and upper abdominal wall hernias which can be done with or without the use of mesh.
Groin options:
No tension (minimally invasive) technique: