Q. What is a hernia?
A. The word ‘hernia’ means ‘rupture’. You must have seen a burst tyre and observed that through the hole the inner tubing comes out when air is pumped in it. Exactly similar situation occurs in the human body. The burst tyre is the abdominal wall and the tubing is the intestine. Thus the hernia is the prolapsed of intestines through the hole in the abdominal wall. Different names have been given to the hernias depending on the anatomical location where they are found. The hernia in the groin is called ‘Inguinal hernia’. The hernia near the belly button is called ‘Umbilical hernia’. The hernia which is caused by the giving way of stitches of any previous operation on the abdominal wall is called ‘Incisional hernia’.
Q. What is the cause of the hernia?
A. * Many times a birth defect is responsible for hernia, for example inguinal hernia and umbilical herniA. * Excessive straining and physical activity can give rise to the ruptures of the abdominal wall. This happens in people who are engaged in lifting heavy weight. It occurs in chronic smokers who cough continuously. It occurs in patients who are constipated and strain at the stool. It occurs in elderly gentlemen who have enlargement of the prostate and strain while passing urine.
* Gradual weakening of abdominal muscles secondary to aging & lack of exercise.
* Obesity.
* In incisional hernia the cause may be improper surgical technique or the use of improper sutures during stitching of the abdominal wall.
Q. What is the treatment of hernia?
A. OPERATION is the only curative and permanent treatment of herniA. It is a matter of common sense that the hole in the abdominal muscles cannot be closed with medicines.
Q. What operation is performed?
A. The internationally accepted ‘gold standard’ is the ‘Lichtenstein operation’ in which the hernial defect is covered with a polypropyline mesh & fixed in place with stitches. This operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia & I.V. sedation and usually last for 45 – 60 min.
Q. What is the status of laparoscopic hernia repair?
A. Laparoscopic hernia repair is a relatively new method in which the mesh is applied to the defect from inside the abdominal cavity. This procedure requires general anaesthsia in all cases. Your doctor can discuss the pros & cons of their procedure in greater details.
Q. What post – op care is required?
A. Hospitalization is usually for 24 – 48 hrs. The patient can walk after 4 -6 hrs of operation. Normal diet can be resumed the next day. 5- 7 days of rest at home is usually sufficient. Patient can resume normal work after 7 – 10 days.
Incisional Hernia/Umbilical Hernia mesh repair
