Hernia Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

A hernia is the knob of an organ through its containing wall. A lump of an organ or its parts through connective tissue in which it is enclosed is called hernia. Most hernias occur between the chest and the hips and within the abdominal cavity.  Hernia is the most common problem. It causes swelling in the abdomen. Hernias often produce no symptoms. Abdominal complaints may indicate a severe problem. In some cases, it causes swelling or lump in the abdomen. Hernia is composed of the sac, the covering of sac and its contents. Sac is made up of three parts, the mouth, neck and body of the sac. Covering is derived from the layers of wall of abdomen. Sac passes through the covering. The contents of hernia contain a portion of intestine, bladder, ovary, meckel’s diverticulum, intestine, omentum and portion of circumference of intestine.

Types Of Hernia

There are two main types of hernia,

       1. Internal hernia

• Inguinal hernia
• Femoral hernia
• Umbilical hernia
• Incisional hernia

       2. External hernia

• Gluteal hernia
• Spigelian hernia
• Obturator hernia
• Lumbar hernia

Symptoms

In hernia, there is a bulge or lump in the abdomen that can be moved or pushed from one place to another. Sometimes, it disappears. During bowel movements, due to any physical activity such as coughing, laughing, straining and crying can reappear the lump. Symptoms of hernia includes,

• Swelling or lump in the abdomen
• The size of lump increases with time
• Increased sensation of pain in lump with time
• Feeling of full even after bowel movements
• Bowel obstruction

Causes

Hernia occurs due to the muscle weakness in the wall of the abdomen. Hernia also develops due to the straining.  This weakness is due to the anatomical cause or congenital problem.  Sometimes due to trauma or some serious diseases hernia can also develop. Ageing is also a factor responsible for hernia. Overweight or obese patients have more chances to develop hernia. Chronic cough, constipation, smoking and multiple pregnancies can also cause hernia.

Treatment

Surgery is the only option for hernia. If hernia lump or bulge is growing bigger or causing severe pain, then the best way to treat hernia is to operate it. In surgery, the surgeon repairs your hernia by stitching the hole in the wall of the abdomen. It is done by covering the hole with a mesh. This is done in closed surgical procedure. In an open surgery, an incision is made near the site of the hernia. Then the lump is pushed back into the abdominal wall. Then they stitch the lump and close it. In some cases, it is covered with a surgical mesh. In the end, the incision is closed. Another surgical option for hernia is laparoscopic surgery. In this surgery, a tiny camera is used to see the lump or bulge. Then they repair hernia by making small incisions. This procedure is less damaging to nearby tissues then other procedures.  After laparoscopic surgery, patients don’t feel pain but they have feelings of discomfort in the abdomen. Recovery period after laparoscopic surgery is 48 hours.

Preventive Measures

• You should try to maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise on a daily basis.

Frequently asked question

Is there any complication of hernia?

Yes, there is a complication named incarcerated hernia in which bulge or lump is trapped in the abdominal wall. This condition is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

What is the duration of surgical procedure?

Duration of surgery is between 1-2 hours.

Does every hernia need surgery?

No, it depends upon your symptoms. If you have no swelling or pain then there is no need for surgery.