Most people have heard the term hernia, and many have known someone who is aware of a lump that they suspect is a hernia. But what is it really, what causes it, and what should we do if we suspect we have one?

Men are 8-10 times more likely to get a hernia than women.

Dr Maré du Plessis, a specialist surgeon operating in private practice at Mediclinic Milnerton in Cape Town, can shed some light on this topic: “A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue in the abdomen,” he says.

Listen to more of the conversation by clicking on the audio player below.

This conversation aired on Wednesday, 14 August 2024.