An abdominal hernia is a protrusion or coming out of any abdominal organ or piece of tissue from its normally contained area or the area it originally occupies, from any weak area in the abdominal wall. Any small piece of bowel or omentum which acts as an apron covering the colon may be affected by hernias.
The causes of a hernia are not exactly known, however, persistent cough, peritoneal dialysis which put pressure on the intestines are known causes. Certain individuals may be born with hernias.
The most common hernias of abdominal and pelvic region are:
- Inguinal hernias: Occur in the inguinal canal opening, if the muscles of inguinal canal become weak.
- Femoral hernias: femoral hernias occur in the pelvis region, where the femoral artery and vein pass through reaching our legs.
- Hiatal or para esophagal Hernia: Occurs when the stomach or food pipe touches the chest protruding through the diaphragm. The common symptoms are acid reflux, belching etc.,
- Abdominal Hernia: Abdominal hernias are also known as ventral hernias, they occur when a portion of Intestine pushes through the weakened abdominal area. They may occur as a fall-out of laparoscopic surgery, and are known as incisional hernias if they occur on account of previous incisions
Umbilical hernias occur in women in the navel region usually after delivery of their children
Treatment options include open surgery where a large incision is made and the hernia is repaired. If a hernia is of big size doctors opt for open surgery. Another option is laparoscopic surgery which is minimally invasive or a smaller incision is made and the hernia is repaired which is being used extensively. The surgeon is guided by a camera to perform this surgery and the stay time of the patient in the hospital is reduced. The weak tissue is rejuvenated with the artificial mesh to prevent recurrence of the same. Certain small hernias may disappear with medications, surgery as an option is a last resort.
KIMS is the best gastroenterology treatment centre in South India. The best gastroenterologists and surgical gastroenterologists at KIMS are experts in performing minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures as well as open surgeries to treat hernias