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Types of Hernia
The common Hernia seen in practice are:
Inguinal Hernia also known as Groin Hernia - commonly occurring in males.
a. Congenital – Which occurs from birth.
b. Acquired – Acquired during the lifetime. The common conditions leading to this Hernia are –
i) Lifting of heavy weights.
ii) Doing strenuous exercises.
iii) Later in life when the abdominal musculature becomes weak.
iv) In certain pre-existing medical conditions like, Bronchial Asthma, Chronic
Constipation and Urinary Bladder outlet obstruction.
Femoral hernia - This occurs below the inguinal ligament and through the Femoral Canal. This is commonly occurs in females.
Ventral Hernia: - This hernia occurs through the anterior abdominal wall. They can either Congenital (Mostly umbilical hernia through the umbilicus.) or Acquired, The causes for which are: |
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Obese patients when increased amount of fats acts as a pile driver, which leads to a defect in the sheath and thus leading to Hernia Formation. |
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After the surgery - also known as Incisional Hernia – This can occur due to a faulty technique of closure of the abdomen by the surgeon. |
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Poor musculature of the patient. |
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Wound infection after the surgery. |
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Treatment |
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Through the ages the treatment of Hernia has gone through various changes and modifications.
Significant changes that have taken place in the treatment of Hernia are: |
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Open Surgery with suturing technique – now obsolete. |
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Open Surgery with Mesh technique. This is practiced worldwide and in most Centres. |
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Laparoscopic surgery (Key hole surgery) with mesh. This is being done in
advanced Centres with excellent results. |
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Most of the hernias can be done by Laparoscopy. In this small 3-4 holes are made in the abdomen depending on the site and size of hernia. A telescope is inserted through one of the holes and very specialized Laparoscopic instruments through the other holes. Watching on the TV monitor, the surgery is carried out and a mesh is place in all these repairs. |
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Advantages of Minimal Access Surgery |
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No long scar, so better cosmetic results. |
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Early recovery. Either sides or a bilateral Inguinal hernia can be managed by the same 3 holes. |
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Fast recovery. Early return to work. |
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No restriction of lifting heavy weights subsequently. |
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Less then 1% recurrence |
