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Additional Information
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Inguinal Hernia
A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges
through a weak area in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal
hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen
and thigh). It is called "inguinal" because the intestines
push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is
a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle
near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining
to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the
inguinal canal.
Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include a lump in the groin
near the thigh; pain in the groin; and, in severe cases,
partial or complete blockage of the intestine. The doctor
diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking x
rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine.
The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair
the opening in the muscle wall. This surgery is called herniorrhaphy.
Sometimes the weak area is reinforced with steel mesh or
wire. This operation is called hernioplasty. If the protruding
intestine becomes twisted or traps stool, part of the intestine
might need to be removed. This surgery is called bowel resection.
(Bowel is another word for intestine.)
To read more about inguinal hernia and related topics from
the The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse,
please click here: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/inguinalhernia/index.htm
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder
that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)--the muscle
connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Many people, including
pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion
caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from
GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases,
heartburn can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes;
however, some people may require medication or surgery. This
fact sheet provides information on GERD-its causes, symptoms,
treatment, and long-term complications.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Hiatal Hernia
No one knows why people get GERD. A hiatal hernia may contribute.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach
is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the
stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the lower esophageal
sphincter keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When
a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to
come up. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. A
hiatal hernia can happen in people of any age; many otherwise
healthy people over 50 have a small one.
To read more about the connection between hiatal hernia
and GERD from The National Digestive Diseases Information
Clearinghouse (NDDIC), please click here: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/
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