Hernia
A hernia occurs when an intestines pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but they can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas. Most hernias aren’t immediately life threatening, but they don’t go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent dangerous complications.
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Symptoms
- Visible bulge
- Pain or discomfort
- Pressure or heaviness
- Aching or burning
- Weakness or fatigue
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Nausea and vomiting
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Causes
- A congenital condition, which occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth
- Aging
- Damage from an injury or surgery
- Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
- Chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- Pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies
- Constipation, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
- Being overweight or having obesity
- Ascites
Complications
Complications of Hernia include:
Incarceration
Strangulation
Bowel obstruction
Infection
Recurrence
Chronic pain
Nerve injury
Mesh-related complications
Delayed diagnosis and treatment
Impact on quality of life
FAQ
Common types of hernias include inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and hiatal hernias. Symptoms vary depending on the type but may include a visible bulge, pain, discomfort, or complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.
Risk factors for hernias include age, gender (men are more prone to inguinal hernias), obesity, heavy lifting, chronic coughing or straining, pregnancy, and family history of hernias.
Hernias are typically diagnosed through a physical examination, where the doctor may feel a bulge in the affected area. Tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or evaluate for complications.
Treatment options for hernias include watchful waiting, lifestyle modifications, hernia trusses or belts, and surgical repair. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of hernia, symptoms, and risk of complications.
In some cases, particularly if the hernia is small and not causing symptoms or complications, watchful waiting with lifestyle modifications may be recommended. However, surgical repair is often necessary to prevent complications such as incarceration or strangulation.
Risks and complications of hernia surgery may include infection, bleeding, recurrence of the hernia, chronic pain, nerve injury, and complications related to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail before the procedure.
Recovery time after hernia surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and individual factors. Generally, most people can resume light activities within a few days to a week after surgery but may need several weeks to fully recover.
Yes, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, quitting smoking, and managing conditions such as chronic cough or constipation can help reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions for follow-up appointments based on your individual case. You should seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, or signs of infection at the surgical site, or if you notice a recurrence of the hernia.
