A hernia occurs when the lower intestines begin to protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. While hernias often develop after heavy lifting, they can also occur due to chronic coughing, muscle deterioration, constipation or weight gain, or may develop if surgery weakens the abdominal muscles. Hernia surgery options include minimally invasive surgery or an open surgical procedure.
Symptoms
A hernia often produces a bulge on one side of the pubic bone that appears larger when you are standing. Men may also experience swelling of the scrotum, depending on the location of the hernia. If you have a hernia, you may notice a sharp pain when you lift something or exercise. Usually the pain will go away after you rest. You may also experience pain, pressure or weakness at the site of the hernia and may notice a gurgling or burning feeling.
Diagnosis
Before diagnosing a hernia, your doctor will examine your abdomen and ask you to describe your symptoms. You may be asked to cough while your doctor examines you. Coughing causes hernias to expand, making it easier for your doctor to feel the herniated area. A computed tomography (CAT) scan of the abdomen may be ordered. A CAT scanner uses both X-rays and a computer to produce detailed cross section views of your hernia.
Open Surgery
Herniorrhaphy is an open surgical procedure used to repair a hernia. Before the procedure, you will be given an anesthetic to numb the area and make you sleep. After an incision is made in the abdomen, your doctor will push the small intestine or protruding tissues back through the abdominal muscles. Stitches are used to repair and reinforce the opening in the abdomen. A mesh screen placed over the weak area helps prevent a recurrence of the hernia. Herniorrhaphy may be needed if you have had previous pelvic surgery or if your hernia is very large.
Laparascopic Surgery
Laparascopic hernioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to place a piece of mesh to support the weakened area. Laparascopic hernia surgery usually results in a quicker recovery time, less postoperative pain and a quicker return to your usual activities than is possible after having open surgery. General anesthesia is often used for this type of procedure. During laparascopic surgery, several small incisions are made in your abdomen. Surgical instruments and a tiny lighted camera are passed through the openings, allowing your doctor to view the hernia on a video monitor as he stitches the mesh screen in place.
Warning
In some cases, when the small intestine protrudes from the hernia, it becomes trapped in the opening in the abdominal muscles. Called an "incarcerated" or "strangulated" hernia, this condition is a medical emergency. If surgery is not performed immediately, blood may not be able to reach the small intestine, resulting in death of part of the intestine. Symptoms include extreme sudden pain that worsens quickly, fever, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate and tenderness and redness around the hernia. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and may require removal of part of the small intestine.
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