2. DEFINITION
A hernia is a an acute abnormal protrusion of an
organ or structure through a defect in the muscular
wall of the abdomen or structure that contains it.
3. CLASSIFICATION
Hernias can be classified according to;
1. Reducible
2. Irreducible TYPES
3. Anatomical position in the body. Eg. Intacranial
hernia.
REDUCIBLE: In this classification, focus is on
hernias that can be treated.
IRREDUCIBLE: Classification of hernias that
cannot be treated.
4. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO LOCATION
INGUINAL HERNIA
INDIRECT INGUINAL HERNIA –a sac formed from
the peritoneum that contains a portion of the
intestines that protrudes down at an angle into the
inguinal canal .in males it becomes large and desces
into the scrotum.
DIRECT INGUINAL HERNIA-This a
protrusion of the intestines through a weak point of
the abdominal wall.
5. CLASSIFICATION CONTI………
INCISIONAL/VENTRAL HERNIA-Occur at the site
of surgical incision .Results from inadequate healing
of the incision ,poor nutrition ,post operative wound
infection.
UMBILICAL HERNIA-Are congenital or acquired
.Acquired umbilical hernia results from intra-
abdominal pressure .Commonly seen in obese,
pregnant mothers.
FEMORAL HERNIA- When a plug of fat in the
femoral canal enlarges and eventually pulls the
peritoneum and protrudes through a femoral ring.
6. CLASSIFICATION CONTI…
HIATAL HERNIA-Occur when a portion of the
stomach protrudes into the mediastinal cavity
through the diaphragm.
8. INCIDENCE
AGE: Fibrous tissues and muscle tend to weaken
naturally through time, so the elderly and more
prone to hernias than younger individuals are.
GENDER: Men are more prone to inguinal hernias
than women are. Pregnant women are more prone to
umbilical hernias than men are. Women in general
are more prone to femoral hernias than men due to a
wider pelvic bone structure.
GENETICS: Individuals with a family history of
hernias are most prone to cases of hernias.
9. INCIDENCE
Some hereditary disorders involving the muscles or
connective tissues also place an individual more at risk
for hernia. Infants of African descent are also more prone
to umbilical hernias than are infants of other ethnicities.
LIFESTYLE: People whose work requires heavy physical
labor are more prone to hernias due to constant straining
of the muscles and connective tissues. Prior muscles
injuries can lead to weakening of muscles tissues. Sports
injuries or sudden movements may cause spinal hernias
if a disc becomes dislocated.
10. INCIDENCE CONTI………..
SURGERY: Individuals who had prior abdominal
surgery are more at risk of developing hernias due to
weakened tissues around the surgery.
MEDICAL CONDITION: Individuals who have
medical conditions that increase internal pressure,
will be more prone to hernia formation. A disorder of
the connective and muscle tissues also increase the
risks of hernia. Pre-mature infants are also more
prone to hernias.
11. ETIOLOGY/AETIOLOGY
Majority of hernias occur among adults, although
some infants may also have hernias.
While hernias generally do not have direct causes,
there are several conditions that may individual lead
to the formation of hernias.
AND THESE ARE;
Failed embryonic formation closures in male fetuses.
Premature births may also set the stage for hernia
formation.
12. ETIOLOGY CONT………
Genetic disorders of the connective and muscle
tissues also contribute to hernia formation.
Prior injuries also serve as protrusion sites, as
muscles and dislocations may lead to hernia
formation.
13. PREDISPOSING FACTORS
OBESITY: Idividuals who are severely overweight
will naturally have large amounts of internal
pressure may easily push fatty tissues and organs
into hernias.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS: This a genetic condition that
may include chronic coughing, which also builds up
internal pressure within the body. Individuals
affected by this disease may further encounter
developmental problems, including and not limited
to weak muscle and tissue formation.
14. PREDISPOSING FACTORS CONTI….
ASCITES: This is a condition characterised by
excessive fluid build-up in the peritoneal (abdomen)
cavity. As fluid accumulates there will also be an
increase in abdominal pressure.
SEVERE CONSTIPATION: Straining during bowel
movement due to constipation will also increase
abdominal pressure and if accompanied by a weak
spot in the abdominal in the abdominal “corset”
tissues may result in a hernia. Straining during
urination may also have similar results.
15. PREDISPOSING FACTORS CONTI….
PREGNANCY: In later stages of pregnancy, mature
fetal developmental may also increase abdominal
pressure in women, something that may make way
for umbilical hernias.
EHLERS- DANLOS SYNDROME: A genetic
disorder. This condition is characterized by
decreased collagen and weakening of the connective
tissues, thus leading to sites of possible protrusion.
