CONDITIONS
Hernia disorders
A hernia occurs when an organ or a part of it pushes through a gap in the muscular wall. At first glance, a hernia forms an apparent bulge. This lump disappears when the patient lies down, but coughing can cause it to reappear.
Types of hernias
- Umbilical hernia: A portion of the patient’s intestines moves through an opening in the muscular wall close to the navel. Although babies are prone to umbilical hernias, adults are susceptible to the condition too. This condition is apparent when a tender lump forms near the patient’s navel.
- Incisional hernia: This type of hernia arises from a previous cut made in the abdominal wall as a result of surgery. The closure from a previous abdominal wall surgery can come apart due to inadequate healing. All hernias can strangulate and lead to sepsis. When a hernia is left to strangulate, this becomes fatal.
- Inguinal hernia: Tissue from the intestine seeps through an opening in the abdominal muscles near the groin. When an inguinal hernia occurs, the patient experiences a bulge when he or she coughs or lifts heavy items. This type of hernia requires surgical intervention as it can increase in size and become painful.
- Femoral hernia: A femoral hernia is also known as a “Femorocele” and occurs when abdominal tissue seeps through a weak spot in the femoral canal's muscular wall. This type of hernia also presents in the form of a lump that appears close to the groin.
Symptoms of hernias
Signs of a hernia include:
- The formation of a bulge near the affected area
- Pain near the affected region
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Reasons for hernias
Strain and muscle weakness contribute to the development of hernias. A hernia can either develop suddenly or occurs over some time. Obesity, an injury from previous surgery, ageing, constipation, persistent coughing and strenuous exercise increase a patient's risk of hernias.
Hernia treatment
Hernias require surgical repair whereby the bulge is pushed back into the abdomen and the gap is closed either with stiches or with a mesh. Depending on the type of hernia, Dr Singh may perform the repair with the use of a laparoscope and miniature instruments or via open surgery.