A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia. The most common types of hernia are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach).

Miss Boorman treats a range of common hernias including: epigastric hernia, femoral hernia, incisional hernia, inguinal hernia & umbilical/paraumbilical hernia.

Miss Boorman also treats Spigelian Hernia - a rare condition caused by weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall.

What is a Spigelian Hernia?

A hernia is a hole through a weakness in the abdominal wall.

If you have a Spigelian hernia you may notice a lump or bulge appearing to the side and below your tummy button. It occurs along the lower edge of the “six-pack” in body builders!

The bulge consists most usually of fatty tissue but may contain bowel (gut).

You may experience discomfort at first but it may become more painful when lifting heavy objects or coughing.

What causes it?

These hernias are caused by a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Other factors, which contribute to the development of hernias are obesity, coughing, heavy work, sports etc.

What does treatment / management involve?

Many patients wish to have a hernia repaired because they are increasing in size, becoming more unsightly and uncomfortable.

What would happen if the hernia was not treated?

The weakness in the muscle wall could enlarge and rarely may contain loops of bowel. In these circumstances if you are unable to push the hernia back, a blockage of the bowel may occur, which causes vomiting and abdominal pain.

If you experience this you should contact your doctor immediately as you may require an emergency operation.