The abdomen contains intestines and a fatty layer called the omentum. There are congenital openings in the abdominal wall. Hernia occurs when the intestine or omentum protrudes through these openings. Most cases have no specific cause, but sometimes injury or surgery can trigger hernia.

What are the Symptoms of Hernia?

● The affected area swells, and the swelling may decrease or increase. The swelling may reduce when lying down and increase when there is pressure on the abdomen, such as during coughing or straining during bowel movements.

● Sometimes, the area may be painful, and the surrounding skin may become red. Nausea, vomiting, or fever may also occur.

How is Hernia Diagnosed?

Hernia is primarily diagnosed through clinical examination. In some cases, additional tests such as CT scans or ultrasound may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the Treatment for Hernia?

There is no role of medication in treating hernia. Hernia tends to worsen over time and does not resolve on its own or with medication. The only effective treatment is surgery. Typically, the hernia is pushed back into place and a mesh or synthetic patch is used to reinforce the weakened area, preventing further herniation. While open surgery was previously common, most cases are now treated with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery or robotic-assisted surgery,

What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery?

● Less cutting and tearing, resulting in reduced pain and bleeding.

● The surgery is performed through one or two small incisions, leaving minimal scarring.

● The small incisions reduce the risk of infection and promote faster healing.

● With fewer complications, patients can return to their normal lives quickly and resume their daily activities.

Is Laparoscopic Surgery Suitable for All Hernia Cases?

Laparoscopic surgery is suitable for most hernia cases. However, there are some situations where open surgery is preferred: 1. If the hernia becomes incarcerated, gangrenous, or ruptures, the patient's condition may be too critical for laparoscopic surgery, and open surgery is necessary. 2. If the hernia is extremely large or a

significant portion of the intestine has protruded, open surgery may be required to ensure proper repair and minimize complications.

Post-Surgery Lifestyle

After surgery, patients can lead a completely normal life with a few precautions:

● Avoid smoking and tobacco products for at least a month, and ideally quit altogether for long-term health benefits.

● Maintain a healthy weight.

● Control diabetes.

● Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least 6 weeks after surgery.