“Hernia” is a common term that is used to describe a medical condition where a part (any organ or tissue) of the body squeezes through a weak area of the connective tissue. This causes protrusion just beneath the surface of the skin.

Hernia can occur to anyone at any age. It affected different people differently and can be easily identified by the bulge in the abdominal region. In a few cases, the bulge may only be visible and felt when you strain that area or lift heavyweights, bend over, or laugh.

The hernia bulge is likely to grow bigger with time and damage the abdominal muscles. It is quite painful and requires timely treatment to prevent further damage by worsening the condition.

Types of Hernia

Basically, a hernia is a protrusion of the content of a cavity from a weak area in the wall of the cavity. When this happens in the abdomen it is called an abdominal hernia. In the abdomen, there are different areas where hernias could occur and they are identified by different names. Common hernias in the abdominal wall are groin (inguinal), umbilical, incisional ( at previous operation site) among many others :

1. Inguinal Hernia – When fat or a part of the intestine bulges into the inguinal canal portion of the groin. This is the most common type of hernia usually prevalent in men.

2. Umbilical Hernia – This is characterized by protrusions around the belly button. These are common in infants and are not as painful. These get better as the child grows but can cause discomfort during adulthood and might need surgery.

3. Ventral Hernia – This type of hernia occurs after surgery at the site of treatment. It is extremely common in people who undergo some form of abdominal surgery.

4. Hiatal Hernia – This form of hernia is caused when the upper part of the abdomen bulges into the chest. This can lead to digestive orders such as GERD. Old-age people are at a greater risk of hiatal hernia.

5. Diaphragmatic Hernia – This hernia is the name given to the medical condition where there is a birth defect in the form of a hole in the diaphragm. Organs of the abdomen can move through this hole upward towards the chest!

1. Femoral Hernia – when fat or a part of the intestine protrudes into the part of the groin near the upper thigh or labia. Common in women, these can be dangerous and must be reported to the doctor immediately.

1. Others – Some other forms of hernia include obturator, lumbar, and spigelian. These are not as common but can still cause extreme discomfort and require timely medical care.

Treatment for Hernia

In most cases, people don’t visit a doctor until and unless the hernia begins to cause extreme pain and discomfort. Even after this, some patients don’t opt for treatment believing that the hernia is either too big or too small for treatment. Oftentimes, if the treatment is further delayed, this leads to other health problems. 

With advancements in medical science and technology, new treatment options are available that help cure the most complex forms of hernia in a painless and minimally invasive way. These neither require large cuts nor leave any scar marks.

These days, doctors are using laparoscopic procedures that have a very high success rate and low chance of recurrence. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and so there is no need for the patient to get admitted to the hospital.

The doctors make small incisions to insert camera and instruments at the site of treatment. For large hernias, doctors may recommend overall abdominal reconstruction. In this case, the general surgeon helps remove excess skin and repair the area.

Patients can go back home on the same day. Recovery timelines vary from person to person and depend majorly upon the patient’s age and overall health.

Best Hospital for Hernia Treatment

Most people continue to live with hernias and experience pain for extended periods of time because they don’t know that hernia can be cured through a painless and minimally invasive procedure.

You must never ignore a hernia as lack or delay in treatment can cause serious health complications that not only affect the quality of life but can also be life-threatening for a few patients.

If you have a noticeable bulge in the abdominal area that looks like a hernia, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist and undergo diagnostic examinations to start treatment at the earliest.

Sahasra Hospitals is a renowned medical care institute for the best-in-class treatment of hernia. Headed by Dr. Srikanth Gadiyaram, Sahasra Hospitals has a qualified and experienced team of doctors who leave no stone unturned to ensure the best treatment and fastest recovery for one and all.

If you have any symptoms of a hernia, do not delay the treatment. Seek expert medical assistance from Sahasra Hospitals today! Book your consultation now!