Are Hernias Hereditary?

Are you concerned that a loved one is at risk of developing hernias because you have one? It may seem like some people are more prone to hernias than others. This observation is no coincidence. There is a correlation between genetics and hernias, but it is not what you think.

This blog will discuss the following concerns about hernias:

• What is a Hernia?
• Can You Inherit a Hernia?
• What Causes a Hernia?
• Hernia Prevention
• The Risks of Having a Hernia
• Treating Hernias

What is a Hernia?

A hernia develops when one of your organs pushes against your muscles, creating a gap in the tissue. A hernia usually develops in your abdominal or groin region. Individuals with weak abdominal muscles are more likely to develop hernias.

Hernias are not always life-threatening, and don’t always disappear without treatment. However, you should seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. They can become life-threatening if they get stuck within the gap or weakened tissue or muscle. When hernias disrupt vital bodily functions, such as blood flow, or causes pain, surgery is necessary for treatment.

Can You Inherit a Hernia?

Often, several members of the same family will have a hernia. This may lead you to believe that a hernia is a result of heredity. However, this is not the case. Family members cannot inherit a hernia from other family members. However, as mentioned before, a hernia can be congenital, meaning you can develop one at birth.

Studies have shown that some families are more likely to develop a hernia than others. Instead, there may be a history of weak abdominal muscles. A family line may possess a certain genome resulting in poor muscle development. Therefore, consecutive generations can develop an inguinal hernia. This common genome is not the primary cause of a hernia but is a contributing factor. While a hernia may appear to be hereditary, it is not. However, weak abdominal muscles can be hereditary.

What Causes a Hernia?

As mentioned before, when you have weakened or injured abdominal muscles, it is easier for a hernia to develop. There are many things that can weaken or damage your abdominal or groin muscles, including genetics. Here are a few things that could increase your chances of developing a hernia if you inherit weak abdominal muscles:

A Congenital Condition

A congenital condition is any illness or disorder present at birth. It is normal for babies to have gaps or openings in their abdominal walls. These gaps should close before or shortly after birth. However, there are instances where these holes don’t close, providing a gap for organs to break through the abdominal wall. That is why hernias are common in newborn babies and young children.

Age

Your abdominal muscles may weaken as you age. This increases your chances of developing a hernia since it is easier to damage your abdominal tissue. The chances are even higher if your family has a history of weak abdominal muscles.

Damaged Muscles or Tissue

Strenuous physical activities or continuous pressure on your abdominal muscles can result in a muscle injury. Certain movements can tear your abdominal muscles, creating a gap for a hernia to push through. Physical exercise, chronic coughing, pregnancy, and obesity can put pressure on your abdominal walls and cause a hernia to develop.

Previous Abdominal Surgery

If you had abdominal surgery in the past, you could develop a hernia. Surgery thins the abdominal tissues. This can also happen if your abdominal wall sustains an injury during the surgical procedure. If the muscles do not heal properly, it creates a gap for organs to push against and eventually break through.

Hernia Prevention

While you can’t avoid weak abdominal muscles if it runs in the family, you can take steps to prevent a hernia’s development. The best way to prevent a hernia is to avoid putting strain on your abdomen. You may damage or tear your abdominal tissue if you don’t exercise correctly. Before starting a new physical activity, take some time to learn how to do it properly to prevent an injury.

It is also essential to maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity can also put unnecessary pressure on your abdominal walls. Although a hernia can develop at birth, it is more likely to happen later in life because of an unhealthy lifestyle or injury.

The Risks of Having a Hernia

A hernia can result in serious complications. As your hernia grows, it puts pressure on surrounding tissue and causes painful swelling. Your hernia may become incarcerated if your organs get trapped in the gap in your abdominal muscles. Incarceration often leads to strangulation, preventing proper blood flow. If your hernia strangulates, you need immediate medical attention because it is life-threatening. Additionally, your hernia may become complex if left untreated. A complex hernia is more challenging to repair.

Treating Hernias

There are treatments available if you have a hernia due to genetically weak muscles. Dr. Abtin Khosravi, MD, offers two methods of treating a hernia at Orange County Robotic General Surgery. Schedule a consultation to discuss which procedure is better suited for your hernia.

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that requires general or spinal anesthesia. During this surgical procedure, Dr. Khosravi makes a small incision so he can insert a camera and telescope to view your hernia. This allows Dr. Khosravi to assess the condition of your hernia and repair the torn or weakened abdominal muscle. The entire procedure takes place through 3 or 4 small incisions. Dr. Khosravi repairs your hernia beneath the abdominal wall. He may apply surgical mesh to reinforce the area and repair the defect.

Open Surgery

A more traditional approach is to repair the damaged tissue with open surgery. This procedure uses a large incision across the abdomen. Open surgery is slightly more invasive and requires general or local anesthesia. The incision cuts through skin and fat so Dr. Khosravi can treat your hernia.

Once again, Dr. Khosravi uses surgical mesh to close the gap or defect to prevent your hernia from breaking through and getting stuck. This procedure requires more time for recovery. Ensure that you follow your recovery instructions carefully for an optimal outcome.

If your hernia makes certain tasks difficult or causes extreme discomfort, it is time to seek treatment. Chronic pain and discomfort are signs that you need hernia surgery. Dr. Khosravi is an expert in hernia surgery.

He has performed over 1,000 robotic surgeries. He can recommend the best approach to treat your hernia. Contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery at (714) 541-4996 or request a consultation online.

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