Hernias are a common condition that involves the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening or weakness in the muscle wall that normally holds it in place. Hernia surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by general surgeons and is performed to correct this condition.
Causes:
Hernias can be caused for a variety of reasons, including:
Congenital weakness: Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to develop hernias, as they have a weaker abdominal wall from birth.
2. Physical Effort: Heavy lifting, chronic coughing or chronic constipation can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to the development of a hernia.
3. Previous Surgeries: Scars from previous surgery can weaken the abdominal wall and create weak spots prone to herniation.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a hernia can vary depending on its type and location, but commonly include:
- A lump or bump in the affected area.
- Pain or discomfort at the site of the hernia.
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen.
- Discomfort with heavy lifting or physical exertion.
Treatment:
Surgery is the most effective method of treating hernias. Common types of hernia surgery include:
1. Open hernia repair: In this procedure, an incision is made over the hernia, and the surgeon puts the bulging tissue back in place before closing the opening with sutures.
2. Laparoscopic surgery: This minimally invasive technique involves making several small incisions through which a laparoscope is inserted and the hernia is repaired using a synthetic mesh.
3. Ventral or Incisional Hernia Repair: This procedure is used to treat hernias that develop at the site of a previous surgical incision and usually involves the placement of a mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall.