Hernia: Causes, Risk Factors And Treatment

Types Of Hernia

• INGUINAL HERNIA - commonest type. This happens when the intestines push through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall or inguinal canal.

• HIATAL HERNIA - this happens when a part of your stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest area. Common in patients over 50 years of age.

• UMBLICAL HERNIA - happens in children below 6 months of age. This happens when intestines protrude through the abdominal wall near the umbilicus. This is the only hernia that resolves on its own.

• INCISIONAL HERNIA - happens after an abdominal surgery at the site of the incision.

Causes Of Hernia

Hernias occur because of a combination of factors, including muscle weakness, laxity, and straining of the abdominal wall. They either develop suddenly or take a long time to progress.

Factors that cause muscle weakness are:

• Congenital defect wherein there is failure of the abdominal wall to close

• Age

• Chronic coughing

• Any recent surgery or injury

Factors that cause strain to your body, more so if your muscles are weak:

• Pregnancy –this puts pressure on your abdomen

• Chronic constipation

• Heavy weight lifting

• Fluid collection in the abdomen

• Sudden gain in weight

Risk Factors That Can Make You Prone To Hernia

• Family history of hernias

• Past history of hernias

• Chronic coughing

• Chronic constipation

• Being obese

• Chain smoker can trigger smokers' cough

• A medical condition such as cystic fibrosis impairs the functioning of the lungs, thereby causing chronic coughing.

Presentation Of Hernia

The most common symptom is a bulge or lump in the affected area, which is more noticeable when standing.

Inguinal Hernia may also show symptoms such as:

• Pain or discomfort while walking, coughing or bending.

• Weakness, pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.

• Burning or aching sensation at the affected site.

Hiatal hernias that occur in the chest may show these symptoms:

• Acid reflux causes a burning sensation in the throat and chest.

• Chest pain.

• Difficulty in swallowing.

Many hernias lack any obvious symptoms and are diagnosed merely on a general physical examination.

Treatment For Hernia

The only treatment option that provides permanent relief is surgery. Hernia repair surgery is a very common surgery performed worldwide. There are usual; two approaches for surgeries which are:

• The open surgery incision is made in the skin near the protrusion, and the surgeon pushes back the hernia through his cut.

• Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, involves making two cuts less than an inch in size so that instruments and an optic camera can be inserted. The surgeon can now view the inside of the abdomen through this camera. The abdomen is inflated with gas, enabling the surgeon to work. Once the hernia is repaired, the gas is released, and the abdomen returns to normal.

In both methods, the hernia is pushed and placed back into the proper position, and the weak tissue wall is strengthened or reinforced with a synthetic mesh to prevent the reoccurrence of the hernia. This mesh provides a bridge and allows for the connection of the gap in the tissue. Surgeons perform many simple procedures that offer no pain or discomfort to the patient. These techniques ensure minimal post-operative discomfort and speedy recoveries.

.Other Treatment Options

Lifestyle modifications

• Dietary changes can help avoid symptoms of hiatal hernia

• Do not eat heavy meals

• Do not bend immediately after eating a heavy meal

• Do not lie down immediately after meals

Medications

Certain medicines can be prescribed for hiatal hernia if there is severe acid reflux, i.e. antacids and proton pump inhibitors.

The prognosis of most cases of hernia is very good. The most important aspect is to recognise early signs and provide prompt treatment,. as an untreated hernia can cause complications in the future.