A hernia is when part of an internal organ, such as the intestines, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This weak spot can be caused by surgery, or it could be due to the normal weakening of the muscle or connective tissue with age.
Common locations for a hernia include the groin, navel, or the area in between your ribs and hips.
The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or protrusion in the area. This can be small or large, and it may bulge out only when certain pressure is applied to it (like when you are coughing or lifting a heavy object).
You may also experience pain or discomfort in the area, which is usually worse with activity and relieved when you lie down. In some cases, the hernia may cause a blockage of the intestines, leading to nausea, vomiting, and a swollen stomach.
Hernias often need to be repaired surgically. The procedure can be done as open surgery with a large incision in the abdomen, as laparoscopic surgery with tiny incisions and a camera, or as a robotic procedure.
During the surgery, a synthetic mesh patch is used to help strengthen the weak spot so that no contents of the abdominal cavity can pass through. The procedure typically takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, and you can expect to spend 1-3 days in the hospital.
After the surgery, it is important to take it easy and allow the area to heal properly.
What happens if a hernia is left untreated?
If a hernia is left untreated, it may cause complications such as obstruction of the intestine, strangulation of the hernia content and inflammation of the hernia wall. Obstruction of the intestine can block the flow of contents in the intestines and cause severe pain, vomiting and possibly even bowel rupture.
Strangulation occurs when the hernia contents become entrapped and lose their blood supply. This can cause tissue death and result in gangrene of the hernia wall, leading to infection, sepsis and in extreme cases, death.
Left untreated, the hernia may also increase in size, making it harder to repair surgically later on. Furthermore, untreated hernias can lead to urinary retention, increased scrotal swelling, and difficulty with bowel movements.
What is the biggest complication of a hernia?
The biggest complication associated with a hernia is a bowel obstruction. This occurs when a loop of the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia, restricting the flow of substances (food, fluids, etc.
) through the intestines. Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and swelling. If left untreated, a bowel obstruction can lead to serious complications, such as infection, tissue death, and perforation of one or more areas of the intestine.
Additionally, hernia defects may result in a weakened abdominal wall, which can contribute to the development of a hernia if left untreated.
What is the most serious type of hernia?
The most serious type of hernia is an incarcerated hernia. This is a hernia where the protrusion of the abdominal wall has become trapped and can no longer be manually or naturally reduced. If the hernia becomes entrapped or the blood supply is cut off, the tissues may become damaged and require medical intervention to reduce and repair the hernia.
An incarcerated hernia is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible to avoid tissue damage and complications. Some other serious types of hernias include hiatal hernias, strangulated hernias, and recurrent hernias.
Is hernia related to digestive system?
Yes, hernia is related to the digestive system. A hernia occurs when part of the intestine, fatty tissue, or organ protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal cavity. In the most common form of hernia, an inguinal hernia, the intestine pushes through a weak area in the inguinal canal which is in the lower abdominal wall.
In this case, the hernia is caused by a weakened lower abdominal wall due to a genetic predisposition, excessive straining during activities, or obesity. Surgery is the most common way to treat hernia, as it is necessary to repair the weakened abdominal wall in order to reduce the risk of organ perforation and other serious health problems.
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding activities that put additional strain on the abdominal wall can help reduce the risk of developing a hernia.
What health problems can a hernia cause?
A hernia can lead to a wide range of medical issues, some of which can be very serious if left untreated.
The most common health problem associated with hernias is pain and discomfort. Hernias can cause a bulge or lump in the abdomen that can cause sharp and burning sensations. This pain can worsen with increased activity, coughing, or even standing.
Hernias can also cause gastrointestinal issues, like constipation, vomiting, and even lead to a condition called “strangulated hernia” if the hernia becomes trapped and the hernia’s tissue become cut off from its blood supply.
This latter condition is considered a medical emergency and can cause significant damage to the internal organs.
Hernias can also lead to complications during pregnancy, and make abdominal surgeries significantly more complicated. Additionally, hernias can cause urinary issues, such as an inability to control urination, due to pressure on the bladder or other urinary organs.
Hernias can cause emotional stress due to the physical discomfort and lifestyle changes. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor about any medical issues that you think might be related to a hernia.
Can a hernia cause pain in other parts of the body?
No, a hernia itself generally does not cause pain in other parts of the body. However, depending on the type and location of the hernia, the pain associated with it may radiate to other areas of the body.
Hernias usually cause pain in the area where the hernia is located, but it may also cause referred pain – pain that is felt in a different area than where the hernia is located. For example, a hernia in the abdominal wall may cause referred pain in the groin or thigh area.
These referred pains may be sharp, aching, or even burning. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional if any pain related to a hernia does not go away or gets worse.
What are the signs and symptoms of a serious hernia problem?
The signs and symptoms of a serious hernia problem depend on the type of hernia and its severity. Common symptoms may include pain in the area of the hernia, a lump visible near the site of the hernia, swelling, burning or aching sensations, and even nausea.
If a hernia has become incarcerated, which is when the hernia is trapped and unable to be pushed back in, more severe symptoms may arise. Symptoms of an incarcerated hernia may include intense pain, vomiting, fever, redness or swelling near the hernia, and the inability to push the hernia back in.
In general, if the hernia is causing any type of serious discomfort or pain, a medical professional should be consulted.
Can hernia make you unwell?
Yes, a hernia can make you unwell since it results in a displacement of internal organs which can cause “strangulation. ” This can lead to pain, infection, nausea, and possibly obstruction of your intestines which can be potentially deadly.
In addition, hernias can cause a range of more minor symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, swelling and bulging around the area, and severe coughing. Furthermore, if the hernia involves the bladder, urinary frequency and leakage of urine may result.
Lastly, a hernia should be treated as soon as possible to ensure it does not worsen and lead to further complications. This is why it is important to visit your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
When should you worry about hernia?
You should worry about hernia if you have any signs and symptoms of a hernia such as a bulge or swelling in your abdomen, groin, or navel area, pain or discomfort in the area with coughing, bending over, or lifting, weakness or a burning sensation in the affected area, nausea, vomiting, and a fever.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
People who are aged over 50 are particularly at risk of hernia as they are more likely to have weakened tendons or muscles due to aging. If a person in this age group experiences any of the mentioned symptoms, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Can hernia cause long term damage?
Yes, if left untreated, a hernia can cause long-term damage. A hernia occurs when an organ, such as the intestines or the bladder, pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall muscles. As long as the hernia is not reduced, or pushed back in, it can continue to enlarge, resulting in more discomfort, strangulation, obstruction, and damage to the organs and tissues.
The hernia can also press on surrounding nerves, which can cause pain and numbness. If the hernia continues to enlarge, it can cut off the blood supply to the organ, leading to tissue death and infection.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical treatment for a hernia as soon as possible. Should surgery become necessary, there are several minimally invasive procedures now available which greatly reduce recovery time, surgical risks, and allow the patient to return to their normal activities sooner.