What is a hernia
In some areas of the body, such as the abdomen, there are muscular walls that hold the organs in place. When this wall is damaged or torn for any reason, a hernia occurs. The internal organs put pressure on the damaged muscle tissue. For example, the intestines put pressure on the damaged tissue of the abdominal wall. This causes pain and other hernia symptoms. As the cleft widens, bumps may also appear under the skin. Hernias are usually not dangerous. But their pain makes the patient's daily life difficult. It should be noted that a hernia does not disappear by itself. Therefore, the patient should prevent its progress with the help of a doctor and take treatment. In some cases, advanced hernias will require open surgery
Are there different types of hernia
Hernia occurs in different areas. In the following, we will explain about its types.
Inguinal hernia
This type is the most common type of hernia. Inguinal hernia is more common among men. Inguinal hernia is also known as inguinal hernia. When the lower abdominal wall is weak or damaged, the intestines put pressure on the inguinal canal. This pressure leads to a bulge in the groin. In some cases, this complication also affects the testicles of men.
The inguinal canal is located in the groin. In men, this channel helps to keep the testicles. In women, this ligament has an effect in keeping the uterus. After birth, the inguinal hernia canal and umbilical cord must be completely closed. But in some men this operation is not done completely. For this reason, the possibility of inguinal hernia is more in them.
Hiatal hernia
This type of hernia occurs when the diaphragm is damaged. A part of the stomach is removed from the damaged tissue and protrudes into the chest cavity. In addition to helping in breathing, the diaphragm separates the organs inside the chest from the organs inside the abdomen. Hiatal hernia occurs mostly in people over 50 years old. Of course, it is possible that the tissue of the diaphragm of babies is congenitally damaged and they suffer from this type of hernia. Hiatal hernias cause gastric reflux. Heartburn occurs when the contents of the stomach return to the esophagus.
Umbilical hernia
This type of hernia occurs mostly in children and babies. In fact, the baby's abdominal wall is damaged. If you notice a bulge in the navel and abdomen area of your baby or child, you should suspect a hernia. Umbilical hernia in children usually disappears after one to two years of age. But it is better to be under the supervision of a doctor during this period. Also, if the bulge does not improve by the age of 5, it will need treatment. Umbilical hernia may also occur in adults by putting pressure on the abdomen. Pregnancy, obesity and the presence of fluids in the abdomen are the causes of this type of hernia in adults.
Abdominal hernia
Many people are only familiar with this type of hernia. When the muscular wall of the abdomen is damaged, the organs protrude from it and a hernia is formed. Abdominal hernia may be congenital or caused by other factors. The most important causes of abdominal hernia include obesity, pregnancy and heavy sports. Abdominal hernias may also develop where there was a surgical wound. This condition is called incisional hernia.
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What is the treatment of hernia?
This method is used for very large and problematic hernias. In open surgery, the doctor repairs the gap using stitches and mesh. In this method, the doctor is forced to make relatively large incisions in the abdomen or groin. These big wounds increase the possibility of the patient having a hernia again if pressure is applied after recovery. Of course, this issue largely depends on the doctor's skill and control of complete healing of the wound. Surgical wounds are closed using surgical sutures or adhesives. This operation is performed under general anesthesia.
What is laparoscopy
In laparoscopy, instead of making one big incision, several small incisions are made. For this reason, it can be said that this method is less invasive than open surgery. In this method, the surgeon repairs the hernia gap using several small incisions and with the help of a camera and equipment. A camera and a small light are inserted into the patient's body using a tube. The abdomen is filled with gas so that the doctor has a better view and can treat the hernia more easily. Also, if there are already scars or wounds in the patient's abdomen or groin, sometimes the doctor can perform laparoscopy by opening the same points as before. The cost of laparoscopy is higher than open surgery. But doing it is much more accurate and has fewer side effects. Also, its recovery period is less than the open surgery method. Laparoscopy is performed under general anesthesia. Of course, this method is not applicable to all people. The selection of the patient's treatment method is done according to the conditions and discretion of the specialist doctor.