Hernia
... Each year, while an estimated 5 million Americans develop hernias, only 700,000 have them surgically repaired. Most physicians believe people avoid treating their hernias because they fear painful su...

Laparoscopic Surgery for Hernia Repair
... What is a hernia?A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall weaken then bulge or tear. The inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area to form a balloon-like sac. Th...

Repair of Abdominal Wall Hernias
... What is an abdominal wall hernia?Abdominal wall hernias occur most often in the groin areas, umbilical (belly-button) area, and might be associated with abdominal wall incisions from previous surgerie...

Digestive Diseases Dictionary
... This dictionary defines words that are often used when talking or writing about digestive diseases. It is designed for people who have digestive diseases and their families and friends. The words are ...

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 call...

Heartburn, Hiatal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
... Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of m...