A hernia is a painful condition that encompasses much suffering on the part of the patient. The worst thing about hernias is that they do not disappear on their own, but have a tendency to keep growing. If left untreated for a prolonged period of time, these get complicated and prove to be fatal. Hernia Surgery is recommended in most cases, though non-surgical treatments may alleviate the pain to some degree. Ultimately, this menace has to be removed through a Hernia Operation.
Some hernias tend to appear and disappear without being noticed. Hernias only become a big problem when they grow in size and begin to show clear symptoms. Hernia Surgery must then become a priority. The faster they are removed, the better.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a condition when part of an organ or an accumulation of fatty tissue protrudes through a fragile point in the muscle wall or the nearby connective tissue. A Hernia Operation involves pushing in the bulged part by dint of a mesh that also helps in keeping the area firm. Sometimes the intestines break through a weak spot in the abdominal wall and appear as a hernia. A hernia mainly occurs in the abdomen, upper thigh area, belly button, and areas in and around the groin.
A doctor can easily detect a hernia by conducting a basic physical examination. They will ask you to stand up, strain yourself or cough as hernias become prominent while standing or coughing.
What Causes Hernia?
Hernias are caused when there’s a weak spot or opening in the muscle surrounding an organ and excessive pressure is applied to the organ. This makes the organ protrude out to some degree, making it vulnerable. The presence of the weak spot might be due to developmental issues during birth or might even develop much later in life. Pressure causes damage when the body is not well-balanced or poised enough to deal with it. Some factors, like poor vitamin intake, smoking, and obesity, may cause the weakening of muscles and tissues. Hernias may result from suddenly lifting heavy weights. Prolonged coughing and sneezing, chronic diarrhea, and constipation may also cause hernias to develop.
Various Types of Hernia
Broadly, there are 3 types of hernias:
- Reducible: a new lump in the abdomen or groin that does not hurt. It can easily be pushed back into place.
- Irreducible (incarcerated): a previously reducible hernia that has grown in size and hurts occasionally. It cannot be pushed inside. These may block the blood vessels, causing nausea and vomiting sensations.
- Strangulated: It cuts off the blood supply to the affected organ entirely. There is persistent pain with tenderness in the area. Such cases need to be immediately treated through a Hernia Surgery.
Based on the location of the hernia:
- Inguinal hernia – the commonest type that appears in men in the inner groin region (inguinal canal). When the testicles descend during birth, if the inguinal canal does not close, it might cause a hernia in the future.
- Hiatal hernia: – the upper stomach sometimes protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm (hiatus).
- Femoral hernia: – it occurs in the outer groin area.
- Incisional hernia: – a previous incision from abdominal surgery may go bad.
- Umbilical hernia: – this happens in the belly-button area in infants who are below 6 months of age.
Hernia Surgery Process
The patient is put under anesthesia before going under the knife. It might be local, regional, or general anesthesia depending upon the bodily condition and medical history of the patient. In both cases, a mesh may be used by the surgeon to repair the hernia and hold the organ in place. Later, the operation wound is stitched and sealed.
It is highly recommended that you first do an in-depth internet search before zeroing in on the best healthcare centers that specialize in hernia treatments.
Frequently Asked Question
Q. When is emergency surgery needed?
If you feel fever, nausea, or sudden worsening pain, or if the hernia becomes red, dark, or purplish in color, you must immediately call your doctor.
Q. What are the risks of surgery?
Generally, risks involve infection and pain, blood clots, and recurrence of hernia after surgery.
Q. Who is more prone to developing hernias?
The chances of a man developing a hernia compared to a woman are 7:1. Furthermore, people in the age group of 40–70 years are at an increased risk.
