Hernia

The different types of hernia are: 

• Inguinal hernia- It is the most common type affecting men usually. This type occurs when part of the bowel protrudes down into the inguinal canal. 
• Femoral hernia- A less common type, it takes place in the femoral canal and involves the poking of fatty tissue. 
• Hiatal hernia- This type is also common and occurs when the diaphragm opening widens.
• Incisional hernia- It can be experienced during the protruding of tissue through an earlier incision in the abdominal wall that weakened with time.
• Ventral hernia- This type occurs around the midline of the vertical abdomen and involves an umbilical hernia or several incisional hernias.
• Umbilical hernia- It happens when some of the intestinal parts begin poking through an abdominal wall opening near the belly button.

In most cases, hernia disease is not more than a swelling that is painless posing no issues and medical treatment. It is usually the cause of discomfort and pain with symptoms that often gets worse while lifting heavy objects, standing, or straining. 

A hernia requires immediate surgery in certain cases, primarily when there is an obstruction by an inguinal hernia. There are some hernia symptoms that can be misunderstood with other conditions such as: 

• Pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea 
• Bulge which can’t be pushed back into the abdomen 
• Swelling 

There are certain activities and medical conditions that lead to increasing pressure on the abdominal wall. Here are some of the hernia causes: 

• Abdominal fluid
• Lifting heavy objects
• Poor nutrition 
• Obesity 
• Persistent cough 
• Straining on the toilet
• Enlarged prostate 
• Straining to urinate 
• Physical exertion 
• Undescended testicles 
• Smoking 
• Peritoneal dialysis 

There are varied risk factors of hernia that shouldn’t be overlooked such as: 

• Old age 
• Cystic fibrosis
• Smoking 
• Family history of hernias 
• Being overweight
• Low birth weight
• Chronic cough 
• Pregnancy
• Chronic constipation

For a hernia diagnosis, the doctor first initiates with physical evaluation and asks about the symptoms including the patient's medical history. There are certain tests that might be ordered to confirm the diagnosis such as: 

• Abdominal ultrasound 
• Abdominal CT Scan 
• Abdominal MRI Scan 
• X-rays of the digestive tract 
• Endoscopy 

The basic treatment processes for femoral, inguinal and umbilical are quite similar in nature. The discomforts and pains connected with these can be treated by the administration of OTC pain relievers and prescription medicines. Surgical repairs are the ultimate and more direct treatment processes for hernia. The condition of the patient, severity and other complications affect the urgency of these surgical procedures.

Patients suffering from chronic asymptomatic hernia are generally monitored and kept under observation-lest their protrusions become strangulated or trapped. Strangulated hernias pose as serious medical emergencies, as they restrict the flow of blood to tissues within and in the surrounding areas. People with femoral hernia are at greater risk and are advised to have hernia repair surgery to get rid of their woes.

Contemporary modes of treating it require a laparoscope for performing surgery. Hernia surgery needs anaesthesia and leads to the restoration of protruding abdominal contents back into their original place. The abdominal wall and other operated regions are then closed with synthetic biologically-inactive meshes.

Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a small camera like device, which allows the surgeon a better view of the incisions and area operated. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred by patients, as it is comparatively less invasive that the traditional means of surgery.

However, the process is not as effective for patients with larger hernias or those who have gone through previous operations for the same. Such patients are advised to have traditional surgery by hernia repair surgeons. Laparoscopic hernia treatment requires little post-operative care and patients are released within 24 hours of the procedure. Lifting of heavy objects and stringent exercises should be avoided for a few days after hernia operation-as per reputed hernia surgeons.

Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur is a multispecialty hospital delivering healthcare services to its patients for years now. Our patient care is unmatchable and the services we offer are economical for every patient. We make sure that our services are accessible to everyone and that no one has to face problems while reaching us. With our latest and up-to-date advanced medical technology, we offer a reliable and smooth patient experience.

If you are diagnosed with hernia make sure to consult our expert doctors. They will guarantee an adequate diagnosis and offer treatment depending on the symptoms you are experiencing.