All you need to know about Hernia
Overview
A hernia is a disorder in which there is a breach in the continuity of internal organs, and any of the internal organs protrude into another. It is commonly seen in the abdominal cavity, especially between the hips and chest.
Types
Hernias are of different types depending on their location and cause. Those are:
- Inguinal hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Hiatal hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Epigastric hernia
- Spigelian hernia
- Diaphragmatic hernia
Causes
Hernias are commonly caused due to pressure or due to an opening with weak muscles or fascia on the lining of internal organs. The pressure eventually pushes the organ tissue through the weak area. The weak area is often present since birth. However, it may also occur later in life. Some other causes include:
- A congenital condition that occurs during the development of the foetus in the womb and maybe present since birth
- Ageing
- Damage from an injury or surgery
- Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
- Being overweight or obese
- Pregnancy
- Constipation
- Ascites
Symptoms
Hernias often produce a lump or a bulge in the abdomen that becomes invisible on lying down. The lump appears on performing activities that apply pressure on the abdomen, such as laughing, coughing, crying or straining during a bowel movement.
Other symptoms include:
- Evident swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum
- Painful bulge
- Pain while lifting heavy objects
- Increase in the bulge size as the disease progresses
- A dull aching sensation throughout
- A feeling of fullness or signs of the obstructed bowel
Hiatal hernias do not cause bulges outside the body. Its symptoms are indigestion, heartburn or acidity, dysphagia and regurgitation.
Diagnosis
Most hernias require a physical examination for diagnosis by a physician or a specialist. Some imaging techniques like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis of abdominal hernias. Hiatal hernias fail to be diagnosed by physical exam only and require imaging techniques such as upper GI scans done in radiology or by upper endoscopy.
Treatment
Hernia can only be treated with surgery. There are three main types of surgeries employed:
- Open hernia surgery: Open surgery is performed by surgeons themselves in an operation theatre where the patient is an anesthetist, and a large incision is given.
- Laparoscopic hernia surgery: Laparoscopic surgeries require minimal incisions. In this, a surgical probe is inserted through the small incisions to perform the surgery.
- Robotic hernia surgery: Robotic surgery can be performed for smaller hernias and rebuild the abdominal wall.
Prevention
Hernias can be prevented by:
- Maintaining an ideal body weight.
- Eating adequate fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will prevent constipation.
- The correct form of lifting weights should be practised when lifting weights or heavy objects. Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid smoking since it leads to a cough that may trigger the hernia.