Hernia: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Hernia is a condition in which the internal organs protrude out of the body when the muscles connected to them weaken. The most common region where hernia occurs is the stomach.

Types of hernia

1) Inguinal hernia, which affects the lower abdominal region

2) Incisional hernia caused by incisions made during surgery

3) Umbilical hernia in the umbilical region

4) Epigastric hernia which occurs in the depression below the chest

In men, hernia affects mostly the lower abdominal region and in women near the umbilicus.

What is inguinal hernia?

This affects the area where the muscles in the lower part of the abdomen join the thigh. Factors that trigger this most common type of hernia include age, weakening of the muscles owing to genetic reasons, hard physical labour and smoking.

How can umbilical hernia be explained?

When the muscles in the umbilical region get weakened, the internal organs there protrude out. This is seen to occur in an advanced age.

What causes incisional hernia?

Weakening of muscles in the area where surgery was done earlier leads to this condition. When years pass by, this type of hernia becomes acute.

What are the signs of femoral hernia?

This type of hernia affects the legs. When a person engages in hard physical work or stands on the feet, a protrusion occurs on the legs. However, when the person lies down, this enlargement disappears.

A person suffering from hernia may feel a slight pain in the abdominal area which becomes acute when lifting heavy objects. Unless proper treatment is given, the hernia becomes easily visible and may even affect the functioning of the intestines.

How can hernia be treated?

The condition can be treated with keyhole surgery as well as open surgery. A mesh is placed in the affected area to check the condition. In fact, the keyhole procedure is ideal for hernia.

Advantages of keyhole surgery

1) Less pain after surgery

2) Less loss of blood

3) Small incision

4) Short stay in hospital

5) Quick recovery and return to normal life

6) Hernia on both sides can be treated during a single surgery

What are the chances of recurrence of hernia?

There are very little chances of hernia occurring again after carrying out a keyhole surgery or open surgery.