A hernia happens when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the belly wall. It often shows as a soft bulge in the groin or abdomen.
Common signs
- A bulge that grows when you cough, strain or lift
- Dragging pain or discomfort in the groin
- A lump that goes back in when you lie down
Why it should not be ignored
A hernia does not heal by itself. Over time it can become painful or get blocked. Sudden severe pain with vomiting, or a hard lump that cannot be pushed back, needs urgent care.
Treatment
Hernia repair is done by open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Keyhole surgery uses small cuts and often means less pain and a quicker return to routine, but the right method is chosen only after examination.
Types of hernia
The most common types are inguinal (groin), umbilical (around the belly button), incisional (through an old surgical scar), femoral and hiatal hernias. Inguinal hernias are more common in men, while femoral hernias are seen more often in women. Children can be born with umbilical or inguinal hernias that need assessment.
What causes a hernia?
A hernia develops where the abdominal wall is weak. Lifting heavy weights, chronic cough, constipation and straining, obesity, pregnancy, previous surgery and ageing all increase pressure on this weak area. Some people are simply born with weaker tissue.
How is a hernia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually clinical: the surgeon examines you standing and lying down and asks you to cough. An ultrasound is sometimes used when the lump is unclear or in people with a hidden hernia.
Open versus laparoscopic hernia repair
In open repair a single cut is made over the hernia and a mesh is placed to strengthen the wall. In laparoscopic repair a camera and instruments are passed through small cuts and the mesh is placed from inside. Keyhole repair often means less pain, smaller scars and a quicker return to normal activity, and it can repair both sides in one operation. The best method depends on the size and type of hernia, your health and previous surgery, and is decided only after examination.
Recovery and prevention
Most people walk the same day and return to desk work within about a week, avoiding heavy lifting for the period the surgeon advises. To lower the risk of recurrence, maintain a healthy weight, treat constipation and cough early, and lift correctly. Dr. K. Praveen Reddy performs laparoscopic hernia repair at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic in Vanasthalipuram.
Who is at risk of a hernia?
Hernias are more common with chronic cough, constipation, heavy lifting, obesity, pregnancy and previous abdominal surgery. Some people are born with a weak spot in the belly wall. A hernia does not heal on its own, and the gap usually widens slowly with time.
Why keyhole (laparoscopic) repair?
In laparoscopic hernia repair, small cuts are made and a camera guides the surgeon to place a mesh that strengthens the weak area. Most patients have less pain, smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay and an earlier return to routine work than with open surgery. Dr. K. Praveen Reddy advises the method that is safest for your type and size of hernia.
After surgery
- Walk the same day or as advised, and avoid heavy lifting for the period your surgeon recommends
- Keep the wounds clean and dry
- Eat fibre-rich food and drink water to avoid straining
Seek help early if you notice a painful, hard bulge that cannot be pushed back, with vomiting or fever, as this can be an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can exercise cure a hernia?
No. Exercise cannot close the weak spot. Avoid heavy lifting and get it examined.
How soon can I return to work?
It depends on the type of hernia and surgery. Your surgeon will guide you.
This is general information and does not replace an examination. Consult Dr. K. Praveen Reddy at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic, Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram.
Read more: Laparoscopic surgeon in Vanasthalipuram | Our doctors
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