Our abdomen is covered in layers of muscles and strong tissue that help us move and protect our internal organs. A hernia is a sac-like structure formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity. It sometimes comes through a hole or a weak area of the belly wall, called fascia. It is common in both men and women. A hernia can form in any part of the GI system such as the torso, abdomen, groin, and scrotum. The severity of the condition depends on its location and whether it is superficial or deep.
Types Of Hernia
- Inguinal Hernia: Occurs in the groin area where a portion of the intestine bulges into the inguinal canal.
- Femoral Hernia: Occurs when a portion of the intestine bulges into the femoral canal, located in the upper thigh.
- Umbilical Hernia: Occurs when a segment of the intestine bulges through a weak spot near the umbilicus or belly button.
- Incisional Hernia: Occurs where you have an abdominal surgery previously due to a portion of the intestine bulging through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
- Epigastric Hernia: Occurs in the upper abdomen, somewhere between the navel and the sternum.
- Hiatal Hernia: Occurs in the stomach where a part of the stomach bulges into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm.
If you have hernia, it is important to seek immediate treatment. Otherwise, over time, a hernia can grow larger and become more painful or can develop many more complications.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hernia?
A hernia is usually accompanied by symptoms that are bothersome. You can watch out for the following anomalies:
- Swelling or bulge in the scrotum area or groin
- Sharp or dull pain at the site of bulge that increases gradually
- Pain while lifting something
- A sensation of feeling full
- Signs of bowel obstruction
What Might Cause A Hernia?
Men are 8 times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than women are. All hernias are caused because of a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness in the muscles. Strenuous activities and medical problems that increase pressure on the abdominal wall can lead to a hernia. Some examples of such triggers are:
- Straining on the toilet
- Persistent caught
- Cystic fibrosis
- Enlarged prostate
- Straining to urinate
- Fluid retention in the abdomen
- Being overweight or obese
- Lifting heavy articles
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Physical exertion
- Undescended testicles
How Is Hernia Treated?
“Hernia will not go away with time; it cannot be treated with exercise or medicine. Surgery is the only way of treating hernia,” says Dr Mustafa Razvi, aConsultant Surgical Gastroenterologist & Gastro Cancer Surgeon with 15+ years of experience.
Some hernias need emergency surgeries, while others can use some management medication before going for a planned surgery. Either way, various blood and image tests help surgeons plan the surgery well so that there are no surprises in the operating table. Laparoscopic surgery is usually preferred by both surgeons and patients because of their low recovery time and lower risk of pain and infections. During the surgery, the prolapsed organ is placed back into the original position and a mesh is used to support and strengthen the weak area. Recovery usually takes around 10 days, after which you can resume your regular life. However, people who suffer from hernia are strictly advised to avoid heavy lifting, maintain a healthy weight, and do exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
