Majority of hernia patients fail to attend the doctor at an early stage.
A hernia occurs when a loose muscle or a body part drives through a bulge in the belly muscles.
A little abdominal or groin swelling can be observed.
The initial part of it is normally painless leading to neglect by many.
However, a hernia cannot heal.
It is getting bigger and riskier overtime.
Hernias that are the most prevalent in adults are:
Inguinal Hernia- the swelling at the groin (most prevalent in men).
Umbilical Hernia- bloating around the belly button.
Incisional Hernia- occurs following a prior operation.
Hiatal Hernia- affects the upper stomach and this results in acidity.
Each of them has to be medically assessed.
Severe pain never begins with Hernia.
Rather it provides slight warning symptoms:
In abdomen or groin a small and swollen bump or lump.
Having pain when coughing or bending.
Suffering during the lifting of heavy things.
Painful or painful burning/ burned.
Pain in the abdomen, lower part.
Perifocal edema disappearing on lying down.
Since the swelling subsides temporarily, the patients believe that the issue is eliminated.
It isn’t.
There is no natural closure of a hernia.
With time, the intestine may be caught in the hole of the muscle.
This is referred to as strangulated hernia - a severe disorder.
It can cause:
Sudden severe pain
Vomiting
Intestinal blockage
Obstruction of blood of intestine.
Emergency surgery
This is the reason why physicians would always advise early treatment as opposed to waiting.
A hernia cannot be treated permanently by a medicine, a belt, a physical activity, or a house remedy.
They can alleviate pain temporarily, nevertheless, the weakness of the muscles persists.
Surgical repair is the only certain mode of treatment.
Currently, hernia operation no longer presents a significant open operation.
Majority of cases are operated through laparoscopic (minimal-cut) surgery.
The surgeon makes the damaged muscle stronger and puts a medical mesh to hold the muscle in place using very small openings.
Muscles are not extensively cut hence they are recoverable easily.
Laparoscopic repair is better compared to traditional surgery as it provides:
Very small stitches
Less post-operative pain
Minimal bleeding
Low infection risk
Short hospital stay
Faster return to work
A large number of patients are discharged in less than 24 hours.
Recovery is usually smooth.
Typical timeline:
Same day: walking allowed
2–3 days: light activities
1 week: routine daily work
2–3 weeks: normal lifestyle
Physicians might recommend that one should not do heavy lifting in the meantime to enable him or her to heal.
You are also likely to develop hernia in case you:
Weight lifting should be frequent.
Have chronic cough
Have constipation
Are overweight
Smoke
Surgical history of abdominal previous operations.
Even physically demanding jobs among individuals are also associated with hernia.
Patients usually wait since the swelling is minor and can be handled.
The delay of treatment leads to:
enlargement of hernia
increased pain
higher complication risk
emergency hospitalization
Early premeditated surgery is easier, safer and faster.
Hernia is not simply a swelling.
It is an abdominal weakness of the wall.
The fact that it has been ignored does not help it to go away, it only contributes to its being dangerous.
When you experience a lump, pulling pain or discomfort during the process of lifting or coughing, do not wait until you are in terrible pain.
Modern laparoscopic surgery is able to cure complications with early consultation and immediate treatment leading to a fast recovery process.
Acting upon a situation will always be simpler than responding to an emergency.
1. Is it possible to treat a hernia without surgery?
No. Hernia cannot heal itself. The permanent treatment is surgery.
2. Is hernia surgery painful?
Laparoscopic surgery can also be treated with pain that is normally mild and can be treated with medicine.
3. What is the length of stay in hospitals following hernioplaty?
Majority of the patients are released within 24 hours.
4. When can I return to work?
Depending on the kind of work, light work may be resumed within a week.
5. Is there a recurrence of hernia following surgery?
The recurrence is rare in cases where the repair is well undertaken and precautions taken after surgery.