Hernias

Hernias, or hernias, are tears or overlaps that lead to the protrusion of internal organs through a weakened or damaged muscle region. There are different types of hernias, including inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, umbilical hernia, and hiatal hernia. In most cases, hernias occur as a result of the natural aging process, as well as due to increased pressure on the abdominal wall, such as chronic coughing, increased physical activity, or as a result of pregnancy. Hernias are usually treated with surgical intervention.

WHAT TYPES OF HERNIAS EXIST?

There are several different types of hernias, including:

1. Inguinal hernia: This type of hernia most commonly occurs in men and occurs when internal organs (such as the intestines or bladder) protrude through a weak point in the inguinal canal.
2. Femoral hernia: This type of hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak point in the femoral canal, which is located between the abdominal cavity and the thigh bone.
3. Umbilical hernia: This type of hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak point in the abdominal wall near the navel.
4. Hiatal hernia: This type of hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through a weak point in the diaphragm, which separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.
5. Incisional hernia: This type of hernia occurs as a result of surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity.
6. Parastomal hernia: This type of hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through an opening made for a stoma.
7. Spigelian hernia: This type of hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak point in the abdominal wall, between the m. rectus abdominis and m. transversus abdominis.

DO HERNIAS OCCUR AFTER SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS?

Yes, hernias can occur after surgery. This type of hernia is called an incisional hernia. Incisional hernias can occur after any surgery that requires an incision in the abdominal cavity, such as bowel, uterus, or kidney surgeries. Incisional hernias occur when the abdominal wall muscles do not heal properly after surgery, leading to weakening of the abdominal wall and protrusion of internal organs through the incision. Incisional hernias are more common in people who are obese, who have high blood pressure or diabetes, who smoke, or who have had chronic lung or heart diseases. Surgical treatment is generally necessary for incisional hernias, which usually involves closing the opening and supporting the abdominal wall muscles to prevent the internal organs from protruding again.

WHAT IS AN INGUINAL HERNIA?

Inguinal hernias are a type of hernia that occurs when internal organs protrude through a weak point in the abdominal wall in the groin area. This type of hernia most commonly occurs in men. There are several different reasons why inguinal hernias may occur. The primary reason for their occurrence is genetic predisposition, which means that if some members of your family have had a hernia, there is a higher likelihood that you will encounter it as well. Other risk factors for the occurrence of inguinal hernias include:

• Obesity
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as occurs with chronic cough, heavy lifting, or constipation
• Increased risk for those who have undergone surgery on the abdominal cavity

Inguinal hernias often begin to feel like a soft, round bulge in the groin area that may increase or decrease when pressed or when a person strains.

HOW IS A HERNIA TREATED?

There are several different surgical methods for treating hernias, depending on the type of hernia, location, size, and personal circumstances of the patient.

1. Hernioplasty: This method is used to treat inguinal and femoral hernias. In this procedure, the surgeon closes the hole in the abdominal wall through which the internal organ is protruding, and then uses a mesh to support the abdominal wall muscles.
2. Lichtenstein method: This method is used to treat inguinal hernias. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a plastic mesh to close the hole in the abdominal wall and support the muscles.
3. TEP (Total Extraperitoneal) method: This method is used to treat inguinal hernias. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a plastic mesh to close the hole in the abdominal wall and support the muscles, while not entering the peritoneal cavity.
4. TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) method: This method is used to treat inguinal hernias. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a plastic mesh to close the hole in the abdominal wall and support the muscles while entering the peritoneal cavity.
5. Laparoscopic hernioplasty: This method is used to treat inguinal hernias. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a laparoscope (a special instrument with a small camera) to see inside the abdomen and then uses a plastic mesh to close the hole in the abdominal wall and support the muscles.

All methods are performed under general anesthesia and last from half an hour to an hour.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR SURGERY?

Preparation for hernia surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery as well as the personal circumstances of the patient. In general, preparation for surgery usually involves the following steps:

1. Examination: The patient will undergo an examination to determine that surgery is necessary and that the patient is healthy for surgery. The examination may include a physical examination as well as blood and urine tests.
2. Diet: The patient will be advised on diet before the surgery. It is usually recommended not to eat anything 8 to 12 hours before the surgery.
3. Medications: The patient will be advised on medications to take or not take before surgery.
4. Information: The patient will be thoroughly informed about the surgical procedure, possible risks and side effects, as well as recovery time.
5. Documentation: The patient will need to provide the necessary documentation for the surgery and sign consent for the surgery.