Different types of hernia and their treatment

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A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue which holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Even though most hernias aren’t immediately life threatening, but they require surgery to prevent dangerous complications from developing.

Types of Hernia

Here, we’ll discuss different types of hernias can occur, plus guide you to more in-depth information.

Inguinal Hernia -

are the most common type of hernia, occurring when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin, usually on the right side. About 96% of all groin hernias are inguinal and most occur in men because of a natural weakness in this area. An estimated 27% of men and 3% of women develop an inguinal hernia during their lifetime. They most often occur in children up to age 5 and adults from ages 75 to 80.
Inguinal hernias usually need to be repaired with surgery.

Incisional Hernia -

Thisoccurs after a person has had a stomach surgery. Some doctors may use the terms “Ventral Hernia” and “Incisional Hernia” interchangeably. A Ventral Hernia refers to any Hernia type that occurs along the midline of the stomach. However, not all Ventral Hernias are Incisional Hernias.
This type is most common in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after abdominal surgery.

Hiatal Hernia -

is a condition that occurs when part of stomach protrudes up into the diaphragm. This muscle plays an important role in breathing and separates the lungs from the abdominal organs.
This type of hernia is most common in people over 50 years of age. If a child has the condition, it’s typically caused by a congenital birth irregularity. Hiatal Hernias almost always cause Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or heartburn.Most people need treatment for Hiatal Hernias if they’re experiencing symptoms.

Umbilical Hernia -

affects children and babies under 6 months old. They occur when parts of small intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near the navel. They usually repair themselves by the time a child is 4 to 5 years old. If the hernia hasn’t gone away by 5 years of age, surgery can be performed to correct it.
Adults can also have umbilical hernias. They can occur from repeated strain on the abdomen due to conditions such as obesity, fluid in the abdomen (ascites), or pregnancy.

Ventral Hernia -

happens when tissue bulges through an opening in the muscles of your abdomen. You may notice that a Ventral Hernia decreases in size when you’re lying down. Although a Ventral Hernia can be present from birth, it’s more commonly acquired at some point during your lifetime. Common factors in ventral hernia formation include obesity, pregnancy and strenuous activity.

Epigastric Hernia -

An Epigastric Hernia occurs in the epigastric region of the abdomen, which is located above the belly button and below the rib cage. They are caused by a gap between the two sides of the abdominal muscles, which allows fat tissue to push through the abdomen. About 2 to 3 percent of all abdominal hernias are Epigastric Hernias. Some babies are born with epigastric hernias. In adults it develops due to muscle weakness or straining.Small Epigastric Hernias don’t cause symptoms. Larger hernias that cause symptoms may require surgery.

Femoral Hernia -

A Femoral Hernia occurs mostly in women when tissue the tissue or part of the bowel enters the femoral canal into the inner thigh or groin. The Hernia may feel like a small- to medium-sized lump in the groin.This type of Hernia is rare in children. A Femoral Hernia can be a cause for concern due to the femoral artery and vein being nearby. Doctors almost always try to quickly correct a Femoral Hernia with surgery.

Cause of Hernias

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a Hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time. Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can cause a Hernia, including:

Lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles

Diarrhea or constipation

Aging

Persistent coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)

Pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies

Smoking, which leads to the weakening of connective tissue

A personal or family history of Hernias

Obesity, poor nutrition and smoking can all weaken muscles and make Hernias more likely.

Hernia Treatment

The only way to effectively treat a Hernia is through surgical repair. Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your Hernia and the severity of your symptoms.

To diagnose your condition, at FirstCure Health, we perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdominal or groin area that gets larger when you stand, cough or strain. We may monitor your Hernia for possible complications.
We may use imaging tests to aid in their diagnosis. These can include:

Abdominal ultrasound

are high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the structures inside the body.

Abdominal CT scan

combines X-rays with computer technology to produce an image.

Abdominal MRI scan

uses a combination of strong magnets and radio waves to create an image.

If we suspect a Hiatal Hernia, other tests may be asked to assess the inside of your stomach:

X-rays of your digestive tract

aftergettingyou drink liquid containing diatrizoate meglumine/diatrizoate sodium (Gastrografin) or a liquid barium solution. These liquids help your digestive tract appear highlighted on X-ray images.

Endoscopy

during an endoscopy, a small camera attached to a tube is threaded down your throat and into the esophagus and stomach.

Hernias don’t go resolve on their own and some hernias can be dangerous because they can become strangulated or incarcerated:

An Incarcerated Hernia

occurs when protruding tissue can’t be pushed back into place, putting constant pressure or discomfort on a person’s body.

A Strangulated Hernia

is a medical emergency because the area bulging through loses blood supply.
As a result, we may recommend surgical correction of a noticeable hernia to try to keep it from getting worse or causing an emergency situation. If you develop the symptoms of a Strangulated Hernia, you need immediate medical attention.

Treatment Options

Several surgical hernia repair options are available. But, according to a person’s clinical condition and the type and location of the Hernia, the 2 main approaches are:

Open surgery:

It’s a standard procedure for repairing a Hernia where the surgeon will push thedisplaced organ or fat tissue back in the abdomen and fix the weakened area of the muscle using dissolvable stitches and a mesh patch (Hernioplasty). A mesh is a synthetic flexible material useful in providing extra support while keeping the hernia from recurrence. Recovery time after open Hernia repair is about 4–5 weeks, during which heavy physical exercise or strenuous activity is unadvisable.

Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery:

It’s a minimally invasive approach to Hernia repair. During surgery, you will be under general anesthesia. When the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make 3 or 4 small cuts (about 1 cm long) under your navel or at the navel itself. Then, your belly is inflated with a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) to provide a better view of belly organs or the muscle wall. Later, the surgeon will place a thin tube into one of these cuts, through which a laparoscope is inserted. A laparoscope is a lighted tube with a tiny video camera attached that guides the surgeon through the hernia repair process. Through other incisions, your surgeon willinsert special surgical tools to push the hernia back in place. A mesh will then be placed to reinforce the gap on the abdominal muscle wall. Finally, the overlying skin and the tissue at the incision point will be closed with stitches or tape, barely visible after a few months.
Two types of laparoscopic hernia repair surgery useful in treating inguinal hernia are:

Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP): Hernia is repaired through the abdominal cavity.

Totally Extraperitoneal: The hernia is accessed without entering the abdominal cavity.

Why opt for Laparoscopic Surgery?

Some common reasons include:

A perfectly safe surgical procedure

Less invasive

Reduce pain and discomfort after surgery requires fewer pain medications.

Recovery time is shorter, about 2 weeks.

Quicker return to work and normal activities.

Fairly a few post-operative complications.

Excellent cosmetic results due to smaller incisions.

The cost of surgery and hospitalization is less than the traditional approach.

Hernias are a common issue that can occur to anyone at any time. While there are several surgical options to fix them, laparoscopic surgery is the most preferred option. Talk to your doctor at FirstCure Health to learn more about the procedure and make an informed decision about this surgery.