Hernias

Question 1

What is a hernia?

Answer 1

Protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body wall.

Question 2

What are the common types of hernias?

Answer 2

Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, and hiatal hernias.

Question 3

What is an inguinal hernia?

Answer 3

Hernia that occurs in the groin region.

Question 4

What are the types of inguinal hernias?

Answer 4

Direct and indirect inguinal hernias.

Question 5

What is a direct inguinal hernia?

Answer 5

Hernia that protrudes through the abdominal wall directly into the inguinal canal.

Question 6

What is an indirect inguinal hernia?

Answer 6

Hernia that protrudes through the inguinal ring, lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels.

Question 7

What is a femoral hernia?

Answer 7

Hernia that protrudes through the femoral canal below the inguinal ligament.

Question 8

What is an umbilical hernia?

Answer 8

Hernia that occurs at the umbilicus.

Question 9

What is an incisional hernia?

Answer 9

Hernia that occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.

Question 10

What is a hiatal hernia?

Answer 10

Hernia that occurs at the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.

Question 11

What are the types of hiatal hernias?

Answer 11

Sliding and paraesophageal hiatal hernias.

Question 12

What is a sliding hiatal hernia?

Answer 12

Hernia where the gastroesophageal junction and part of the stomach slide into the chest.

Question 13

What is a paraesophageal hiatal hernia?

Answer 13

Hernia where part of the stomach herniates through the diaphragm alongside the esophagus.

Question 14

What are the risk factors for developing a hernia?

Answer 14

Increased abdominal pressure, age, obesity, pregnancy, chronic cough, and lifting heavy objects.

Question 15

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Answer 15

Pain, swelling, bulge, and discomfort, especially during physical activity.

Question 16

What is a reducible hernia?

Answer 16

Hernia that can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.

Question 17

What is an irreducible (incarcerated) hernia?

Answer 17

Hernia that cannot be reduced back into the abdominal cavity.

Question 18

What is a strangulated hernia?

Answer 18

Hernia where blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised.

Question 19

What are the complications of a strangulated hernia?

Answer 19

Tissue necrosis, gangrene, and bowel obstruction.

Question 20

What is the diagnosis of a hernia based on?

Answer 20

Clinical examination and imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI.

Question 21

What is the treatment for a hernia?

Answer 21

Observation without intervention, lifestyle modifications, or surgical repair.

Question 22

What is watchful waiting in hernia management?

Answer 22

Monitoring the hernia without immediate surgical intervention.

Question 23

What is herniorrhaphy?

Answer 23

Surgical repair by closing the defect with sutures.

Question 24

What is hernioplasty?

Answer 24

Reinforcing the hernia defect with synthetic or biological mesh.

Question 25

What is laparoscopic hernia repair?

Answer 25

Minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscope to repair the hernia.

Question 26

What are the potential complications of hernia repair surgery?

Answer 26

Infection, bleeding, recurrence, and nerve injury.

Question 27

What is the prognosis for hernia repair surgery?

Answer 27

Generally good, with low rates of recurrence and complications.

Question 28

What are the preventive measures for hernias?

Answer 28

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and quitting smoking.

Question 29

What lifestyle changes can help prevent hernias?

Answer 29

Regular exercise, proper lifting techniques, and avoiding constipation.

Question 30

What is the role of abdominal support devices in hernia prevention and management?

Answer 30

Devices like trusses or binders that provide external support to the abdominal wall.