Hernias

Hernia happens when part of an organ or tissue in the body (such as a loop of intestine or a fat tissue) pushes through an opening or weak spot in the abdominal wall. It can push into a space where it doesn't belong even in natural orifice (like the bellybutton or the groin) or one created by a doctor (incision). This causes a bulge or lump.

Hernias are most common in areas like the belly, groin and upper thigh area, and belly button area. They also can happen in any area where you may have had an incision from surgery – like the abdominal wall, lumbar area, thoracic wall.

Hernias usually take a long time to develop or it might develop suddenly. Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain, although the cause of the weakness and the type of strain may vary. Some people are born with hernias – when they are call congenital.

Hernias are actually most common in babies and toddlers. And most teens who are diagnosed with a hernia actually have had a weakness of the muscles or other abdominal tissues from birth (called a congenital defect). In these cases, straining your muscles doesn't cause the hernia; it only makes the hernia more apparent (and painful!).

Here are some types of strain on the body that may induce hernias:

  • obesity or sudden weight gain

  • lifting heavy objects

  • diarrhea or constipation

  • persistent coughing or sneezing

  • pregnancy

These types of strain on their own probably won't give you a hernia. But if there's also a weak muscle, a hernia is more likely to result.

Many hernias are discovered during routine physical exams. As an example, they can be found when your doctor examines your groin and asking you to cough (we call that a cough impulse). Females can get hernias too, especially if they've been pregnant or are obese.

The most common types of hernias are: inguinal, femoral, epigastric (or ventral) and incisional.

 

After your hernia operation

General points to be noted

  • You should avoid heavy lifting for 8 weeks after the procedure otherwise you will have a recurrence.

  • For inguinal, umbilical and small ventral hernias, patients can drive in one week after the procedure if they fell comfortable in doing so.

  • Dressings will need to be removed after 3 days of the procedure and the wound should be re-dressed if wet.

  • If you've had a hernia operation and you notice redness or discomfort around your incision (the area where the cut was made for the operation), be sure to let your doctor know. It could be a sign of infection that needs further treatment.

  • A review follow up appointment must be done in 7 days.