Hernia and pregnancy: A symbiosis of two bumps

Abstract

One of the most common surgical entities, globally, is hernia. Even though it affects female population less often than men and its occurrence is rather exceptional during pregnancy, it must not be neglected, especially due to the difficulties in diagnosing this entity correctly in the gestation period. We conducted a review article based on data from 13 papers published between 2015 and 2021 which assessed the challenge of hernia diagnosis during pregnancy, available and recommended investigations for a proper diagnosis, potential complications that hernia might cause in pregnant patients, the appropriate treatment during pregnancy and the ideal moment for surgery, if necessary. It appears to be widely acknowledged that it is best to uphold surgical repair of hernia until after delivery. Nevertheless, there is no clinical guideline available on this matter and the existing studies are either case-reports or have used rather small group of patients, therefore future studies are of utmost necessity.