- Hernia Repair
- By: Gaurang Pandya, MD
-© 1999-2000
What is a Hernia?
There are many different conditions that are grouped under diagnosis
of Hernia. Essentially a hernia is an abnormal protrusion of normal body
organs or parts through a weak area in the surrounding tissue. Most
common hernias are located in the groin and are commoner in males and
are called inguinal hernia.
How do I know I have a hernia?
You may feel a lump or a mass in the lower abdomen or groin. The
hernia pops in and out especially when there is increase in the intra abdominal
pressure such as when you cough. This type of hernia is
usually reducible, however if it comes out and does not pop back inside
the abdomen then it is called incarcerated hernia. This is a surgical emergency
and you need to have urgent surgery procedure to reduce and
repair the hernia as there is danger of gangrene or death of the trapped
intestine.
What should I do if I think that I have a hernia?
You need to consult your doctor who can confirm that you have a
hernia and needs surgical repair. Then your doctor can refer you to a
qualified surgeon for surgical repair.
Is there a non surgical way to treat the Hernia?
Yes you can buy a hernia belt or truss that you can wear on the
outside at the site of hernia defect so that when the hernia wants to
protrude then the belt tries to keep it inside. This is not the best way
to manage hernia as it does not take care of the real problem and it may
not provide relief of the pain associated with the hernia.
What are the Surgical options?
Over a period of past century many hernia repair operations are
proposed. All of them work well for most of the patients but not all.
Currently I prefer an operation called Kugel patch repair. I my opinion it the most effective cost efficient and relatively painless operation
for the inguinal hernia repair.
How the Kugel patch Hernia repair is done?
The operation is done to reduce the hernia sac from inside and a
specially designed marlex mesh patch is inserted to cover the hernia
opening. Now when ever the intra abdominal pressure goes up the patch
prevents the intestine being pushed out as hernia.
What should I do
to get the hernia repair done? You can make an appointment in the office
for an evaluation or you can talk to your doctor and to confirm that you
have a hernia. Then your doctor can make appropriate referral for
surgery. |
