CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

There are many types of hernias, categorized by where they are located on the body. The most common varieties include: 1. Hiatal — Upper stomach 2. Incisional — Involves a scar 3. Umbilical — Near the belly button 4. Inguinal — In the groin 5. Congenital — Birth defect (Not Shown) Your husband comes home from his weight-lifting workout and tells you he feels something strange "down there." You can see a small lump under the skin near his groin. It isn't painful, and when he pushes on it, the lump disappears. Most likely, he has a hernia. Even if it does not hurt at the moment, a hernia calls for prompt medical attention. WHAT IS A HERNIA? Normally, the body's tissues and organs are held in place by muscles and thin membranes. A hernia occurs when a small hole develops in the muscle or membrane, allowing the contents to poke through. Hernias most frequently occur in the abdominal area or groin, and may involve the bowel. When the intestines poke through the hernia, a bulge may protrude from the skin. "A person with a hernia usually complains of a painful bulge," says Barry R. Miller, MD, General Surgeon at CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Mary. "The pain may be mild at first, but progressively worsens over several months." Some hernias go back into the abdomen when gently pushed. Other hernias become stuck and can cut off blood supply to the affected area, a medical emergency. WHO GETS THEM? Most hernias occur in men, but women and children get them, too. Hernias are most often caused by a combination of a weak abdominal muscle and a sudden strain, such as: • Coughing or sneezing • Diarrhea or constipation • Lifting a heavy load • Pregnancy A baby may be born with a hernia in the umbilical area. This type of hernia may go away on its own. All other types of hernias require medical treatment. Usually, hernia correction requires surgery. According to Dr. Miller, any other treatment is like trying to patch a tire on the outside. Sometimes, it is possible to hold the hernia in place with a specially designed tight-fitting belt or truss. For elderly patients in fragile health, this may be the best, least stressful option. HERNIA PREVENTION Many hernias can be prevented. A poor diet, obesity and smoking can weaken the abdominal muscles, increasing the risk of hernia. "Prevent hernias by controlling your weight, not smoking, being physically active, and maintaining a strong 'core,' or abdominal wall," Dr. Miller says. "The same healthy habits that prevent illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also prevent abdominal hernias. It's that simple." CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth & St. Mary provide state-of-the-art surgical facilities to support inpatient and outpatient procedures, including hernia correction. To learn more, visit www.christushospital.org/SurgicalServices. Healing a Hernia Family Focus Hernias can happen to anyone. Here's what to watch for and how to prevent these potentially serious swellings. 2 3 Barry R. Miller, MD KNOW YOUR HERNIAS 1 4 3 LiveWell | August/September 2014

• Cover