Question 1

went for pelvic mri for totally different question, results came back with other findings. is an mri finding of "soft tissues: small bilateral inguinal hernias containing fat" significant?

Accepted Answer

: If the inguinal hernias are "small" and provide no discomfort, there is no immediate reason to be concerned.  At some point, obtain a consult with a general surgeon for evaluation and guidance.

Question 2

is a ct scan finding of 'fat containing inguinal hernias, left greater than right' significant? my gp didn't mention it.

Accepted Answer

Incidental: Seen so commonly on ct scans of the abdomen that many radiologists won't mention it.  If your referring physician didn't mention it i wouldn't worry about it.

Question 3

are hernias inherited?

Accepted Answer

Some are.: Hernias develop due to weak points in the abdominal wall.  Many of these form as "birth defects" during fetal life without any clear hereditary component.  Others may develop due to an inherited weakness in the way collagen crosslinks.  Still others may form following trauma such as a surgical incision.

Question 4

which types of hernias are there?

Accepted Answer

Too many to name: A hernia is a defect or weakness in a muscular layer.  Because of this weakness, things can pass through that do not normally do so.  There are many different places this can occur, each with it's own name.  The most common are found on the abdominal wall and groin (inguinal). Others can be inside the abdomen and not seen like a hiatal hernia (which can cause heartburn) or an internal hernia.

Question 5

are all hernias dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No.: A "hernia" commonly refers to a weakened area of the abdominal wall muscles. The resulting defect essentially provides a hole through which a loop of intestine can slide. This situation becomes dangerous if a loop of intestine becomes stuck outside the abdominal wall, leading to obstruction (blockage) or in worst case cutting off the blood supply to that segment of the intestine.

Question 6

do hernias need to be operated o ?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time: A hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall through which the inner layer of the abdominal cavity protruses, creating a sac.  This can occur at natural weak points such as the groin and belly button, or at scars from prior abdominal operations.  The decision to operate is based on the potential for intestine to get stuck within the hernia, which is dependent on the size of the defect.

Question 7

what causes groin hernias?

Accepted Answer

No specific cause: Groin or inguinal hernias are quite common in men, and may be somewhat hereditary. It is a weakness in the fibers that may be weak since birth. Can sometimes be associated with heavier lifting or repeated straining.

Question 8

how common are hernias?

Accepted Answer

Very common: Hernias are more common in males, one of the most frequent reasons for surgery in the us.

Question 9

how often do hernias accure?

Accepted Answer

About 1 in 10: Approximately 10% of men develop hernias in their lifetime;  incidence in women is app. 2%.  The most common hernia is the inguinal or groin hernia, with the belly button or umbilical the second most common.  Hernias are also associated with prior abdominal surgery.

Question 10

could i have two hernias at once?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous Hernas: In inguinal area occurring both on  right and left side are not uncommon. Bilateral inguinal #hernias can develop independently in approximately 12-18% of patients, with ~3-5% of these occurring at the "same time".Since we are symmetric anatomically, the same congenital ; physical stresses that affect one side will affect the other also simultaneous umbilical ; inguinal #hernias are not uncommon.

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Doctor answers about:

Fat heria

A member asked:

Went for pelvic mri for totally different question, results came back with other findings. is an mri finding of "soft tissues: small bilateral inguinal hernias containing fat" significant?

A member asked:

Is a ct scan finding of 'fat containing inguinal hernias, left greater than right' significant? my gp didn't mention it.

A member asked:

Are hernias inherited?

A member asked:

Which types of hernias are there?

A member asked:

Are all hernias dangerous?

A member asked:

Do hernias need to be operated o ?

A member asked:

What causes groin hernias?

A member asked:

How common are hernias?

A member asked:

How often do hernias accure?

A member asked:

Could i have two hernias at once?

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