Hernia

Bilateral hernia - When two hernias occur in the groin, one on each side.

Bioabsorbable - A material that is designed to be broken down and absorbed by the body within a given period of time. The GORE Bioabsorbable Hernia Plug utilizes a bioabsorbable material.

Biomaterial - A natural or synthetic material, such as GORE DUALMESH® PLUS Biomaterial, that can be used in the human body, often as part of a medical device.

Congenital - A condition that is present at birth.

Direct inguinal hernia - Typical in men over 40, occurring next to the opening of the inguinal canal in the groin area.

Epigastric hernia - A hernia that occurs at the midline of the abdomen, between the breastbone and the navel.

Femoral canal - The opening between the leg and abdomen where large blood vessels and nerves run.

Femoral hernia - A hernia that typically occurs in women at the opening of the femoral canal.

Hernia - A weakness or rupture of the wall or cavity containing an organ, with the resulting protrusion of that organ or part of the organ though it.

Incarcerated - Referring to a hernia that cannot be reduced. Also known as non-reducible.

Incisional hernia - A hernia that occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.

Indirect inguinal hernia - The most common type of inguinal hernia, occurring at the opening of the inguinal canal in the groin area.

Inguinal canal - A naturally occurring "tunnel" in the groin area, through which hernias may form.

Inguinal hernia - A hernia that occurs in the groin area at or near the opening to the inguinal canal.

Intra-abdominal - Inside the abdomen.

Laparoscopic surgery - A surgical procedure that involves making small incisions through the skin and inserting instruments into the body to perform a repair. Sometimes a same-day procedure performed under general anesthesia.

Non-reducible hernia - A hernia that can not be flattened out by applying pressure or by lying down.

Open surgery - A surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the abdomen, and repairing the hernia either by sewing the tissues back together with sutures or covering the hernia with a patch or mesh. The incision is closed with stitches, staples, surgical tape or special glue.

Recurrent hernia - A hernia that occurs at the same location as a previous hernia.

Reducible hernia - A hernia that can be flattened out either by applying pressure or by lying down.

Strangulated - An emergency situation, in which a loop of intestine or fatty tissue becomes tightly trapped and loses its blood supply, which can result in an obstruction of intestinal flow and/or gangrene.

Umbilical hernia - A hernia that occurs through the umbilical ring around the navel.

Umbilical ring - The ring of tissue surrounding the navel.

Ventral hernia - Hernia that occurs in the abdominal wall, but not the groin area.