Overview

What is Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue passes through a weak point in the fascia, which is the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Inguinal hernias (internal groin), incisional hernias (as a result of a cut), femoral hernias (external groin), umbilical hernias (navel), and hiatal hernias are the most common types of hernias (upper abdomen).

Inguinal Hernia: The intestine or bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin in an inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias account for approximately 96 percent of all groyne hernias, with the majority occurring in men due to a natural weakness in this area.

Incisional hernia: - The intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of previous abdominal surgery in an incisional hernia. This type is most common in elderly or obese people who are physically inactive following abdominal surgery.

Femoral hernia: - When the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh, it causes a femoral hernia. Femoral hernias are most common in women, especially pregnant or obese women.

Umbilical hernia:-  With an umbilical hernia, part of the small intestine crosses the abdominal wall near the navel. Common in newborns, it also tends to affect women who are obese or who have many children.

Hiatal hernia: - A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

Causes of Hernia:

Ultimately, all hernias are caused by a combination of pressure and a weakness or opening in muscle or fascia; the pressure pushes an organ or tissue through the weakness or opening. Muscle weakness can occur at birth, but it is more common later in life.

A hernia can be caused by anything that causes an increase in abdominal pressure, such as:

Sign & Symptoms of Hernia:

Each hernia is unique, and hernia symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. Different people experience pain in varying degrees. Some people even have the sensation that something has ruptured or given way. The more intriguing ones, on the other hand, are:

• A visible protrusion or bulge at the site of a hernia that appears when standing or straining and disappears when lying down.
• While coughing and sneezing, the bulge may increase.
• Experiencing pain while lifting weights.
• A dull aching feeling
• A hazy sense of fullness
• Constipation and nausea
• Hernias can be painful or non-painful. A hernia is typically detected through a physical examination of the abdomen.

Treatment for Hernia

Surgery is the only way to treat a hernia. A hernia will not go away on its own, but will grow in size if left untreated. Untreated hernias can also cause obstruction (intestinal blockage) and "strangulation," which requires immediate medical attention. Strangulation occurs when the blood supply to the herniated bowel is cut off or greatly reduced, causing the bowel tissue to die or rupture. Smaller hernias have better surgical outcomes than larger hernias. Hernia surgery consists of:

Laparoscopic hernia surgery – It  is a minimally invasive approach that involves the use of a laparoscope and allows a laparoscopic surgeon to repair the weakened area through several small incisions (about a half-centimetre) and the use of a non absorbable mesh to cover the weak area.

Instructions before Hernia surgery:

• Before surgery, some vital tests must be performed.
• For any prescribed medications, follow your surgeon's instructions.
• Avoid taking any medications for at least 5 days before the surgery.
• For a few days before surgery, abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
• After midnight the day before surgery, the patient is not allowed to take anything orally except medicines.

Post-operative instructions:

What are the advantages of Laparoscopic surgery for Hernia treatment?

Laparoscopic surgery is performed by hernia specialists who are highly skilled and extensively trained. The following are some advantages of minimal incision laparoscopic surgery:

• Because the incisions are so small, there is little chance of infection.
• The incisions are extremely small.
• Laparoscopic surgery employs a miniature camera to provide the surgeon with a closer and more detailed view of the internal organs. They are able to work with incredible efficiency and skill.
• Short hospital stay and recovery period
• There is very little postoperative pain.
• During the operation, a second hernia on the opposite side can be checked for and repaired.
• Return to work and normal activities early
• Excellent cosmetic outcomes
• The patient is kept under observation for 2-4 hours before being transferred to the room.
• The patient is permitted to sip oral liquids on the day of surgery and to eat meals the following morning.
• On the same day as the surgery, the patient is allowed to move around and use the restroom on his own.
• In most cases, the patient is discharged the same day or the next day after surgery.
• The dressings are removed during the first follow-up visit, which usually takes place within 2-5 days.
• The patient is instructed to strictly adhere to the doctor's diet recommendations.
• A medication chart is given to the patient to ensure that prescribed medications are taken as prescribed. It is recommended that you follow up on a regular basis.

Make an appointment with Aakash Healthcare for Hernia treatment. At Aakash Healthcare, we have one of the best hernia doctors and laparoscopic surgeons, and we are regarded as one of the best hospitals for laparoscopic surgery in Dwarka, Delhi.