Question:
Can anyone enlighten me about this type of hernia?

I see a lot of postings about hernias but it's not clear whether they refer to incisional or hiatus hernia. I recently had an Upper GI done and was told that I had this type of hernia, but I don't know much about it and I suspect it has nothing to do with my WLS. Also, I do need to have a TT and am wondering if ins will cover the hernia repair along with a TT even though the hiatus hernia isn't related to WLS. I know this is a complex question but I would appreciate anyone throwing some light on my confusion. Thanks very much.    — dandjon (posted on January 19, 2003)

January 19, 2003
A hiatal hernia is INSIDE. Incisional is at the incision. About 90% of the population has a HH, and more among the morbidly obese. A hernia is a hole, sorta. An interruption in a wall that is supposed to be there. An incisional hernia allows intestine to stick out the front of you (well, ours are usually THAT incision), which I'm sure is what you're thinking of. OK, close your eyes. Picture throwing a frisbee into your chest. Sliced right thru right? (it's my fantasy, so there's no pain) The muscle wall inside is in that direction. Flat like a frisbee, as best I can describe without hands waving around. So, incisional is vertical, HH is horizontal, but on the INSIDE. So, what I'm saying is when they're in there for a TT, they can't get to the HH without continuing on into the gut. The incisional hernia would be right there waving when they got in the tunny area.
   — vitalady