Understanding Hernias: Types and When Surgery Is Necessary With Dr. Diptangshu Das | Consultant Hernia Specialist
A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Although hernias are common, many people are unaware of their causes, types, and when surgery becomes necessary.
In this blog, Dr. Diptangshu Das, a Consultant Hernia Specialist, will walk you through the different types of hernias, their symptoms, and why surgery is often required for effective treatment.
What Are the Different Types of Hernias?
Hernias can appear in various areas of the body, and each type comes with its own set of symptoms and complications. Below are the most common types of hernias:
1. Inguinal Hernia
- Description: This is the most common type of hernia, occurring when a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through the lower abdomen into the groin.
- Symptoms: A bulge in the groin area, pain or discomfort while bending over, lifting, or coughing.
- When Surgery Is Needed: Surgery is often recommended when the hernia causes pain, discomfort, or increases in size. If it becomes incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated (cut off blood supply), immediate surgery is needed.
2. Umbilical Hernia
- Description: This hernia occurs when tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. It’s common in infants but can affect adults as well.
- Symptoms: A noticeable bulge near the belly button that may become more prominent when crying, coughing, or straining.
- When Surgery Is Needed: In infants, most umbilical hernias close on their own. However, surgery may be required if the hernia is painful or if it persists into adulthood.
3. Hiatal Hernia
- Description: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. This can lead to acid reflux and heartburn.
- Symptoms: Heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
- When Surgery Is Needed: Surgery is only considered if the hernia causes severe symptoms that do not respond to medication or lifestyle changes. It may also be required if complications like esophagitis occur.
4. Incisional Hernia
- Description: An incisional hernia forms at the site of a previous surgical incision, where the abdominal muscles have weakened and allowed tissue or organs to protrude.
- Symptoms: A bulge at the site of a past incision, pain or discomfort, and a sense of weakness in the area.
- When Surgery Is Needed: If the hernia causes pain, is growing, or causes further complications, surgical repair is required to avoid serious conditions like strangulation.
5. Femoral Hernia
- Description: This hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the femoral canal, located just below the groin. It is less common but more frequent in women.
- Symptoms: A bulge near the upper thigh, often accompanied by pain or discomfort, especially when lifting or coughing.
- When Surgery Is Needed: Femoral hernias are at high risk of becoming strangulated, which is why surgery is generally recommended to prevent further complications.
6. Epigastric Hernia
- Description: This hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, above the belly button.
- Symptoms: A small, painful bulge that may worsen when coughing or lifting.
- When Surgery Is Needed: If the hernia causes discomfort or grows in size, surgery is typically needed for effective relief.
When Is Hernia Surgery Necessary?
While some hernias may not require immediate surgical intervention, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent pain or discomfort from the bulge.
- The hernia increases in size.
- The hernia becomes incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated (compromised blood supply), leading to more severe complications.
- Non-surgical treatments like lifestyle changes or medication do not provide relief.
Types of Hernia Surgery
- Open Hernia Repair: This traditional approach involves making a single incision to access and repair the hernia. It may require a longer recovery time compared to minimally invasive methods.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: Also known as minimally invasive surgery, this method uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia. It offers benefits such as faster recovery and reduced postoperative pain.
Final Thoughts
Hernias, although common, require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications. Surgical intervention is often necessary when the hernia causes pain, increases in size, or leads to more serious complications. Dr. Diptangshu Das emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, as timely treatment can significantly reduce the risks and enhance recovery.
If you experience any symptoms of a hernia or are uncertain about the severity of your condition, consulting a qualified specialist is the first step toward effective treatment.