Restore your Healthy Life With Advanced and Minimally Invasive Hernia Treatment in Gurugram, Delhi

• A hernia may initially manifest as a new lump or bulge in the groin or abdominal area.
• Typically, there might be an associated dull ache, but it is usually not painful to touch.
• The lump tends to enlarge when standing or coughing and may recede or disappear when lying down.
• If left untreated, a small, painless hernia often increases in size over time.
• In some cases, the hernia may become irreducible, meaning it cannot return to the abdominal cavity even with manual pushing, and it may become painful at this stage.
• Occasionally, the herniated loop of bowel may become obstructed, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, necessitating immediate treatment.
• In more critical situations, the hernia may become 'strangulated,' characterized by the person appearing ill, possibly with fever, nausea, vomiting, and extreme pain even upon touch. This condition is considered life-threatening and requires urgent surgical intervention.

Here is a brief overview of some common types of hernias. While there are other less common types, they fall outside the scope of this information.

• INGUINAL HERNIA
  
  1. Most common type, occurring in the groin area at the top of the inner thigh.
  2. More prevalent in men and associated with aging and repeated abdominal strain.
  3. Requires prompt attention, as neglect or improper repair can affect blood supply to the testicles, potentially leading to the removal of testicular tissue.


• FEMORAL HERNIA
  
  1. More commonly found in women, located in the groin area just above the line separating the abdomen and legs.
  2. Prone to strangulation, making it a medical emergency.
  3. Early repair is essential to prevent complications, as nearly half of femoral hernias present as emergencies.


• UMBILICAL HERNIA
  
  1. Occurs when fat or part of the bowel protrudes through the abdomen near the belly button.
  2. Common in babies when the abdominal opening for the umbilical cord doesn't seal properly after birth.
  3. Can also affect adults due to repeated abdominal strain.


• EPIGASTRIC HERNIA
  
  1. Develops in the midline of the abdomen, between the naval and the lower part of the breastbone (sternum).
  2. Occurs between the rectus muscles of the abdomen, often appearing off-center but always stemming from the midline.
  3. May be present in infants due to congenital weakness in the midline abdominal wall.


• INCISIONAL HERNIA
  
  1. Arises at the site of a prior abdominal surgery where the abdominal muscles were cut for surgical access.
  2. Despite suturing during closure, the area remains relatively weak, allowing abdominal organs to herniate through the incision line.

Hernia diagnosis typically relies on a clinical approach, involving a comprehensive review of your symptoms and a brief physical examination by your doctor. During this examination, the doctor may assess the bulging area by elevating your abdominal pressure, often achieved by having you stand or cough. This maneuver enhances the visibility of the hernia. Specifically, for inguinal hernias, the doctor may explore potential pathways by examining along your scrotum. In the majority of cases where there is an evident swelling in the groin or abdominal area, increasing in size during activities like standing, straining, or coughing, a clinical diagnosis of hernia is established, and no additional tests are typically required. However, more complex diagnoses are best conducted by hernia specialists.

Treatment for a hernia is determined by its characteristics, its effect on your quality of life, and your overall health. Options may involve observation, the use of supportive devices, or surgery. Surgery is the definitive method for hernia repair, and in certain instances, emergency surgery may be necessary. The most suitable treatment option will be decided through a discussion between you and your surgeon.

Indications for hernia repair surgery include :

• Symptomatic Hernia: A hernia causing discomfort, pain, or hindering daily activities.
• Incarcerated Hernia: A hernia trapped outside the abdominal wall, unable to be returned inside the abdominal cavity.
• Bowel Obstruction: Hernia leading to intestinal blockage, necessitating surgical repair.
• Strangulated Hernia: A hernia compromising the blood supply to its contents, posing a high risk of tissue death, especially in the intestines. Emergency surgery is required in such cases.

A) Laparoscopic Repair
Laparoscopic repair involves creating small incisions on the abdominal wall through which instruments are introduced into the abdominal cavity. The abdomen is inflated with air, and the repair is guided by a camera. The hernia contents are repositioned into the abdominal cavity, and a mesh is securely placed to cover the hernia defect from the inside. This mesh aids in preventing recurrence. Laparoscopic repair offers advantages such as faster recovery, reduced pain, and a lower risk of infection.

B) 3D Mesh Hernia:
A mesh serves as a supportive structure to reinforce hernia repairs by covering the defect and minimizing tension in the repair, which can otherwise result in hernia recurrence.

The mesh is typically crafted from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyester. Alternatively, a biologic graft derived from animal tissue may be used as the mesh. Biologic grafts are often chosen when infection is a significant concern, as they demonstrate resistance to infections.

C) Open Repair
The open repair represents the conventional method for hernia repair surgery, involving an incision made over the hernia site. The hernia contents are repositioned into the abdominal cavity, and the sac is excised. Depending on variables like hernia location and size, a mesh is frequently employed to address the hernia defect. Alternatively, the defect may be closed using sutures.

The open approach is typically applied for substantial hernias or those complicated by factors like bowel obstruction, infection, incarceration, strangulation, or recurrences.

D) How to know which hernia treatment option should you choose ?
The choice between laparoscopic and open approaches for hernia repair surgery, as well as the decision to use mesh or not, will be personalized according to the specific characteristics of the hernia and the consultation between you and your surgeon.