This glossary provides helpful definitions of words used throughout HerniaSolutions.com.

Acquired Hernia:

A hernia that is caused by the wear and tear of living, such as childbirth, weight gain, and other muscle strain.

Bilateral Hernias:

Hernias that develop on both sides of the abdomen or groin.

Cannula (kan-yuh-luh):

A slender tube that is used during laparoscopic surgery. The tube is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and acts as a channel to the inside of the abdomen. Through this space, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope or other surgical instruments.

Congenital Hernia:

A hernia that is present from birth and occurs at points of weakness in the abdominal wall. Children's hernias are almost always congenital.

Direct Inguinal Hernia:

A hernia that is a result of weakness in the floor of the inguinal canal and is more likely to develop in older men over the age of 40. The floor of the inguinal canal is located just below the internal inguinal ring.

Epigastric Hernia (ep-i-gas-trikher'-nee-uh):

A hernia that occurs above the navel, in the upper middle area of the abdomen. This type of hernia is more common in men than women.

Femoral Hernia (fem'-uh-rul her'-nee-uh):

Femoral hernias are much more common in women but can occur in men. These hernias appear just below the groin crease and are usually the result of pregnancy and childbirth. A weakness in the lower groin allows a sac which may conain bowel to drop into the femoral canal, a space near the femoral vein that carries blood from the leg. These hernias are more prone to develop incarceration or strangulation as an early complication than are inguinal hernias. Therefore, once these hernias are diagnosed, early repair is very strongly advised before such complications occur.

Flat Mesh Repair:

Flat mesh is a patch made out of flat plastic-like (polypropylene) mesh. During repair surgery, the surgeon will make an incision over the hernia and will stitch flat mesh to the tissue surrounding the hernia.

Groin:

The area between your abdomen and thigh.

Groin Hernia:

A hernia that occurs in the area of your groin, such as an inguinal hernia or a femoral hernia. These hernias may cause pain that radiates down the upper thigh or scrotum.

Hernia (her'-nee-uh):

A hernia is a weakness or tear in the abdominal muscles. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. A loop of intestine or abdominaltissue can push into the sac, which may cause a noticeable bulge under the skin. The pressure of tissue pushing through the weakened area can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Hiatal Hernia (hi-'a-t lher'-nee-uh):

Hiatal hernias are slightly different from other types of hernias because they are a weakness or opening in the diaphragm, which is the muscle the separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. These hernias cause reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn, pain, and erosion of the esophagus. Surgery to repair this type of hernia is usually more complicated and may require a longer hospital stay.

Incarcerated Hernia:

An incarcerated hernia or obstructed hernia is one in which the tissues have become trapped. This is also called a nonreducible hernia and is very serious because it may lead to intestine or tissue strangulation.

Incisional Hernia:

A hernia that appears at the site of a previous surgery is known as an incisional or a ventral hernia. These hernias can appear weeks, months, or even years after surgery and can vary in size from small to very large and complex. If you think you have an incisional hernia, it's important to see your doctor because it may widen and become extremely difficult to repair.

Indirect Inguinal Hernia:

An indirect inguinal hernia occurs through the natural weakness in the internal inguinal ring. This is the most common type of inguinal hernia, representing about two-thirds of these defects.

Inguinal Hernia (in-gwee'-nul her'-nee-uh):

This is the most common type of hernia in adults. They occur in a part of the abdominal wall known as the inguinal canal and are much more common in men. A man's testicles must descend through this area before birth. This leaves a natural defect called the internal ring that can develop into a hernia if it doesn't seal properly. As a result, the contents of the abdomen, such as intestine, may protrude through the opening, creating pain and/or a bulge. Inguinal hernias are located in the lower abdomen just above the leg crease, near or adjacent to the pubic area. They can sometimes occur on both sides of the pubic area, and if they do, they are called bilateral inguinal hernias. Due to their location, inguinal hernias may also be referred to as groin hernias and can produce pain that extends into the upper thigh or scrotum.

Internal Inguinal Ring:

The area through which a man's testicles descend after birth. The area has a natural weakness where hernias can easily form. As a result, the contents of the abdomen, such as intestine, may protrude through the opening, creating pain and/or a bulge.

Laparoscopic (lap'-er-uh-skop'-ik) Tension-Free Repair:

In laparoscopic hernia repair, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin instrument with a light source and magnifying lens) through a small incision in the abdomen. The laparoscope enables the surgeon to examine the hernia and place a mesh patch on the inside of the abdominal wall. This surgery is called posterior hernia repair. It differs from traditional mesh repairs (discussed above), in which the mesh is placed on the outside of the abdominal wall, under the skin.

Mesh:

Mesh is used in tension-free hernia repairs and laparoscopic repairs. It is a sterile, woven material made from a synthetic plastic, like polypropylene. Also called a "patch," or "screen," the mesh is very sturdy and strong, yet extremely thin. It is soft and flexible to allow it to easily conform to body's movement, position, and size. It is placed either under or over the defect in the abdominal wall and held in place by a few sutures. The mesh acts as "scaffolding" for new growth of the patient's own tissue, which eventually incorporates the mesh into the surrounding area.

Nonreducible Hernia:

When a loop of intestine becomes trapped in the hernia and you lose the ability to make the bulge flatten out. Nonreducible hernias are often very painful and require prompt medical attention. This is also called a incarcerated hernia and is very serious because it may lead to intestine or tissue strangulation.

Peritoneum:

The sac-like inner lining of the abdominal cavity.

Plug and Patch Repair:

Treatment of inguinal hernias with this technique is similar to flat mesh repair.

PROCEED* Surgical Mesh:

A multi-layered, tissue-separating mesh for tension-free and laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias.

PROLENE* 3D Patch Polypropylene Mesh:

A sterile, three-dimensional device for the repair of small abdominal wall hernias.

PROLENE* Hernia System:

A sterile, pre-shaped, three-dimensional device constructed of an onlay patch, an underlay patch, and a connector. Used in repair of inguinal hernias.

Recurrent Hernia:

A hernia that returns. Reducible Hernia: A reducible hernia is a hernia with a bulge that flattens out when you lie down or push against it gently. This type of hernia is not an immediate danger to a person’s health, although it may be painful and worsen over time if left untreated.

Referred Pain:

Pain related to a hernia that radiates to the hip, back, leg, or even the genitalia.

Scrotum:

The sac of skin that encloses the testes.

Seroma(se-ro'ma):

A sterile accumulation of clear fluid in a space in tissue. It can occur from hernia repair and is the result of tissue inflammation and the body's defense mechanisms.

Strangulated Hernia:

A strangulated hernia happens when part of your intestine or other tissue becomes tightly trapped and the blood supply is cut off. Strangulated hernias can result in gangrene. This condition is considered a surgical emergency and requires immediate surgery to undo the blockage and repair the hernia.

Tension-Free Repair:

Tension-free techniques are the most common hernia repair techniques and are considered the standard of care by the American College of Surgeons. Tension-free repairtechniques use a piece of mesh to bridge the hernia defect as opposed to sewing the two sides of the hernia together with stitches. The use of mesh enables shorter recovery times and a quicker return to normal functioning. Surgeons are likely to recommend a tension-free technique for repair of hernias.

Tension Repair:

Tension repair used to be the only repair option available to people with hernias. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen over the hernia site, pushes any protruding tissue back into the correct position within the abdominal cavity, and then stitches the defect closed. This type of repair is called a tension repair because the stitches (or sutures) put tension on each side of the defect in order to keep it closed. Unfortunately, this tension can cause more pain and discomfort than other repair techniques, so tension repair is only recommended for children or for very small hernias.

Three-dimensional Mesh Repair:

Three-dimensional mesh devices have revolutionized the repair of hernias by building upon the advantages of the earlier tension-free techniques and making them even more effective. The PROLENE* polypropylene Hernia System, ULTRAPRO* Hernia System, and ULTRAPRO* Plug are revolutionary three-dimensional mesh repair devices.

Tissue Allograft:

Tissue derived from a human that is sometimes used instead of synthetic mesh.

ULTRAPRO* Partially Absorbable Lightweight Mesh:

ETHICON ULTRAPRO* MESH was the first partially-absorbable mesh available in the US. In an evolution toward more lightweight and absorbable materials, ULTRAPRO MESH leads the way. Used in repair of ventral hernias.

Umbilical Hernia:

An umbilical hernia occurs at or near the belly button or navel, which has a natural weakness from the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. An umbilical hernia may occur in infants at or just after birth and may resolve at three or four years of age. However, the area of weakness can persist throughout life and can occur in men, women, and children at any time. In adults, umbilical hernias will not resolve and may progressively worsen over time. They are sometimes caused by abdominal pressure due to being overweight, excessive coughing, or pregnancy. ventral hernias: A hernia that appears at the site of a previous surgery is known as a ventral or an incisional hernia. These hernias can appear weeks, months, or even years after surgery and can vary in size from small to very large and complex. If you think you have a ventral hernia, it's important to see your doctor because it may widen and become extremely difficult to repair.

Xenograft:

Tissue derived from an animal that is sometimes used instead of synthetic mesh.