A Review of Inguinal and Hiatal Hernia Management

A hernia is the protrusion of a visceral organ through a weakened area of tissue that normally holds it in. Common risk factors for hernia development include advanced age, obesity, pregnancy, malignancy, abdominal surgery, and intense physical activity. Hernias are classified based on their location and etiology, with abdominal hernia being the most prevalent type in the United States. Inguinal hernia and hiatal hernia offer opportunities for pharmacists to be involved in patient care. Although hernias are usually repaired surgically, in some cases nonsurgical therapies may be used. Regardless of the approach taken, pharmacists can play a role in medication optimization, selection of self-care products, counseling on lifestyle modifications, and postsurgical wound-care management.