What is Hernia & Why its Significance?
A hernia is a bulge over the abdominal wall caused by a weakness or tear of the muscles which allows organs such as the intestines, fatty tissue inside the abdomen and urinary bladder to protrude through the defect. Patients usually notice a swelling under the skin and may experience pain and discomfort occasionally. Symptoms may worsen after prolonged standing, walking or straining (e.g. lifting of heavy objects).
Most hernias occur as a result of weakness or defect in the muscles of the abdomen since birth. As one ages, this defect is further weakened by strenuous physical activity, lifting of heavy objects or incisions of a previous surgery.
The risk of developing a hernia increases with:
- Lifting heavy objects/strenuous physical activity
- Pregnancy
- Chronic cough (e.g. Asthma/ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Straining due to constipation or when passing urine
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Taking medications such as steroids
Groin Hernia
What Type of Hernia may occur?
Hernias are named according to their location on the abdominal wall or occasionally their specific cause.
A hernia is a bulge in the abdomen resulting from weakness of the abdominal wall layers. It may contain a loop of intestine or abdominal fat. The hernia can cause severe pain and other complications that could require an emergency surgery. Both men and women can get a hernia.
Hernia Overview
Hernias are named according to their location on the abdominal wall or occasionally their specific cause.
DIAGNOSIS
Spigelian Hernia
Diagnosis
Hernia can be diagnosed in most of the cases with a physical examination. In recurrent hernia, complex cases or in certain group of patients (obese, patient with previous surgery, etc) an Imaging Diagnosis (Ultrasound, CT scan , MRI) can be necessary.
Most hernias need to be repaired surgically to treat symptoms and prevent complications (e.g. strangulation of the intestine). Truss or abdominal binder are just temporary measures while awaiting surgery or for very high risk patients.
In Our Hernia Centres, besides Open and Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery, we perform novel surgical techniques such as Single Incision Laparoscopic (SILS) Hernia Repair, Robotic Surgery and Muscle Release Surgery like Endoscopic Component Separation, Transversus Abdominis Release among others.
Your surgeon will determine the treatment options suitable for you after a thorough examination of your cases.