Hernia’s and iCare Hernia Repair
A hernia occurs when there is a defect the abdominal wall, most often they are associated with a naturally occurring weakness where vessels, nerves and other structures are passing through the wall into the abdominal cavity. Fat from the abdominal cavity or an organ such as the small intestine can push the thin lining of the abdominal cavity through this weak spot.
Over time the lining that has been pushed through the defect becomes thick forming a sac. The sac contains the fat or organ that originally pushed through the weakness in the muscle. The defect in the abdominal wall is termed the neck of the hernia.
A hernia is usually first noticed as a bulge or lump about the size of a marble that gradually gets larger over time. It can cause discomfort, pain, nausea and effect bowel function.
Groups at increased risk for developing a hernia include:
- age over 50
- smokers
- overweight and obese
- family history of hernia’s
- previous abdominal surgery
Weak spots in the abdominal wall can enlarge more rapidly with ongoing pressure and strain, such as:
- lifting weights
- lifting on the worksite
- chronic cough
- chronic constipation
- pregnancy
- enlarged prostate
In 2015 WorkCover NSW was replaced by iCare. Insurance and Care NSW (iCare) was created as a new organization to deliver insurance and care schemes in NSW. It delivers insurance and care services under the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme and is the largest general insurance service provider in Australia. In NSW injuries covered by workers compensation are now managed under iCare, the organisation has a comprehensive website at icare.nsw.gov.au where more information regarding the lodgement process can be found.
