Hernia: Causes, symptoms, treatment and everything you need to know

Know everything about Hernia: Causes and symptoms of a painful condition; is surgery the only treatment? Read on to know more about it from a doctor so that you can seek timely treatment.

A tear in the muscle or tissue that allows a part of an internal organ or intestines to bulge out is called hernia and certain activities like bending over or lifting heavy objects can worsen the health condition. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon at Saifee Hospital, Apollo Spectra, Namaha and Currae Hospitals in Mumbai, explains, “Hernias can be internal or external. External hernias are commonly seen in the groin region, in the region of the navel, above the navel and through the scar of a previous operation. There are other types of abdominal hernias too but these are the common ones.”

Hernia: Causes, symptoms, treatment and everything you need to know  (Pixabay)

Causes:

Hernia occurs more commonly in men than in women and in most cases, there is no obvious reason for its occurrence except in case of an incisional hernia which is caused due to a complication of abdominal surgery. In children, it can develop due to a weakness in their abdominal wall or can be congenital i.e. present at birth.

Other factors like straining on the toilet for example due to long-term constipation or straining to urinate, lifting heavy items, physical exertion, being overweight or obese, persistent cough, poor nutrition, smoking, cystic fibrosis, peritoneal dialysis, enlarged prostate, undescended testicles or abdominal fluid can also cause hernia.

Symptoms:

Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker shares, “The most common symptom of a hernia is a swelling in the region which typically appears on exertion and goes down on taking rest. Patients may also feel a dragging pain when they walk or exert in any way like coughing, sneezing, straining while passing stools or urine. Sometimes, a hernia may become irreducible and the swelling may not reduce even on lying down or resting. Rarely, if there is bowel in hernial contents it may lead to obstruction or strangulation which are extremely painful conditions requiring emergency surgery.”

She added, “If you are experiencing similar symptoms, you need not panic. Hernia is a common condition and usually can be treated effectively. Once you notice any of the above symptoms, please consult a surgeon without any delay. Delaying treatment can lead to complications like obstruction and strangulation. Hence, it is prudent to be proactive and to seek prompt medical attention.”

Treatment:

One of the most common questions that patients have, is if the hernia can be treated without an operation. Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker reveals, “It is understandable as most people are scared of undergoing surgery. However, there is no medical treatment for hernia, whether big or small. Hernia can only be repaired through an operation. Usually, the hernial contents are reduced, the defect is repaired and a mesh is placed for reinforcement.”

She added, “Hernia surgery can be performed by open surgery or laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery entails 3 to 4 tiny sub-centimetre cuts on the abdomen through which the entire surgery is performed. Laparoscopy leads to less pain, early recovery, early discharge from the hospital, and early return to work. Open surgery is usually reserved for very big and complex hernias.”

Encouraging to visit a doctor if you do have similar symptoms or have been diagnosed with a hernia, Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker revealed that the doctor will evaluate you and then determine the line of suitable treatment. She stressed upon not delaying treatment and following the guidelines given by your doctor.