What is hernia?

A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ bulges through a weak area of muscle. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia.

Hernias occur more frequently in certain parts of the body such as the abdominal wall), groin (inguinal hernia), upper thigh (femoral), and belly button region (umbilical). They can also occur in any place where you have had an incision (incisional hernia) from previous surgery.

What are signs and symptoms of hernia?

You may see or feel a lump under the skin or, in males, a bulge in the scrotum. This may present with straining while lifting heavy objects, during a bowel movement or urination, coughing and sneezing. The lump may disappear when lying down or even with gentle pressure.

Why hernia should be repaired by surgery?

Once a hernia has developed it will tend to enlarge and cause discomfort. If a loop of bowel gets caught in the hernia it may become obstructed or its blood supply may be cut off. This could then become a life-threatening situation. Since hernias can be repaired effectively and with minimal risk most surgeons therefore recommend that hernias be repaired when diagnosed unless there are other serious medical problems.

What are surgical options?

1) Open Repair: It involves making an incision in the abdominal wall. Usually a prosthetic material such as nylon is used to strengthen the area of weakness. (A nylon mesh patch or plug).

2) Laparoscopic Repair(key hole surgery or minimally invasive surgery): For Laparoscopic hernia surgery a telescope attached to a camera is placed through a small opening under the belly button. Two other small cuts are made (each less than the diameter of 1cm in the lower abdomen. The defect is covered with a mesh and secured in place.

Benefits of laparoscopic repair compared to the open repair are: shorter operative time, less pain, and shorter recover period.