Recurrent hernia in patients can be prevented by laparoscopic surgery instead of going for open surgery, suggested experts and noted surgeons during the culmination of the 6th National Conference of Indian Hernia Society- IHSCON 2013.. The laparoscopic surgery of hernia is a much better technique pertaining to the result and health of the patients. "Hernia is one of the most common surgeries performed in India, however, the adverse practices and lack of modern methods and techniques can disturb the health of the patients in the long run. The most common problem associated with hernia is its reoccurrence even after the operation. However, if the surgery is done via laparoscopic technique, it reduces the chances of its recurrence," Further it is cosmetically better than open surgery. "The initial cut made in laparoscopic surgery is of 1 cm which is much smaller than the 7 cm to 8 cm cut made in open surgery of hernia. At the same time, laparoscopic surgery is followed by only 2 stitches, where as in open surgeries around 8 to 18 stitches are needed," Through modern laparoscopic surgery, patient can get back to their normal routine in less than a day's time without any complications; however, in case of open surgery the patient needs some time to get back to the normal routine life.

FAQs

1) What is hernia?

A hernia is a weakness or tear in the abdominal muscles that allows fatty tissue or an organ such as the intestines to protrude through the weak area.. It can happen either in the groin (usually in males) called inguinal hernia, near umbilical (umbilical hernia) epigastrium(epigastric hernia) in previous operation scar (incisional/ventral hernia). Through this weakness of the wall the intra abdominal content such as intestine and omentum protrude in the sac, in the same way that an inner tube pushes through damaged tire. Surgical repair with mesh is the only treatment. This can be done by routine as well as laparoscopic (laser) approach.

2) What causes Hernia?

Hernia can be from birth (congenital hernia) or if may appear in adult .It can be inherited too .Any condition that increases the pressure of Abdominal cavity may cause worsening of hernia like
• Heavy weight lifting
• Coughing
• Obesity
• Straining during urination or passing stools
• Pregnancy

3) What are the signs and symptoms of hernia?

Swelling and pain at site of hernia which increase with coughing, lifting the weight, while urinating, during defection.
Swelling of scrotum in inguinal hernia..
Swelling may decrease or disappear on pressing or lying down.
It may be painless swelling sometimes

4) What are common types of hernia ?

Inguinal Hernia Makes up 75% of all abdominal wall hernias and occurs 25 times more than men than women. It can affect people of all ages.
Umbilical Hernia is a protrusion at the umbilicus.
Incisional Hernia ;- Hernia occurring at site of previous surgery scar
Hiatus Hernia is associated in patients with GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder)
Epigastric hernias:- Occurs in Epigstrium
Epigastric, Umbilical and Incisional Hernia are collectively called as Ventral Hernia

5) What are complication of hernia ? Is it Emergency?

Some time swelling suddenly increases by coughing or on lighting heavy weight and it does not reduce. Patients have vomiting and sever pain. In that case emergency surgery is required, 0therwise the content in the hernia get gangrenous. this is called as strangulated hernia

6) What precaution should I take once I have Hernia?

• Avoid weight lifting
• Avoid cough
• Avoid any exercise or yoga causing intrabdominal pressure like Kapal bharti.
• Straining during defection
• Avoid constipation.

7) What is treatment of hernia?

Surgery, Surgery and surgery is the only treatment of hernia. There is no acceptable medical treatment of hernia nor hernia will go away on its own.Hernia if not operated get bigger and bigger and more painful and will require bigger operation. . There are two reasons for hernia surgery: to prevent or correct a dangerous strangulated hernia, and to eliminate the pain or discomfort that may be limiting your daily activities. The good news is that today surgical hernia repair are typically quick easy and even fairly comfortable. If not treated, it can lead to emergency.

8) Is there any age limit for hernia?

Hernia can appear in newborn babies to any age In the life .

9) What are the chances my hernia will come back?

If your surgeon utilizes one of the mesh techniques the chance that your hernia will return is less than one percent! The chance of recurrence is greater if the repair is performed with a non-mesh Tissue-to-Tissue technique.