HERNIA
Introduction
Hernia is an abnormal protrusion of internal organs through
an abnormal opening in the wall of the cavity.A combination of increased
pressure inside the body with weakness in the wall is responsible for this
condition.In this condition internal organs or parts of organs are protruded
out forming a swelling which will increase the size with coughing and lifting
weight,and while passing stool and urine.In lying down position the swelling
goes inside except in strangulated and irreducible hernia.
Causes:-
1, Weakness in the body wall:--
a) Congenital weakness.
b) Acquired weakness due to injuries,wasting of
muscles,suppurative lesions in the wall and presence of weak natural
openings,obesity,lack of exercise,repeated pregnancy.
c) Surgical operation with improper suturing or sepsis of
operated site.
2) Increased pressure inside the body.
a) Chronic constipation.
b) Recurrent cough.
c) Weight lifting.
d) Stricture of urethra.
Common sites for hernia:--
Hernia can occure anywhere in the body.However there are
some common sites for hernia.Due to the presence of hard bony covering chest
wall is normally not affected.Hernia in the lower back is also rare due to
spine and back muscles and tough ligaments and sheeths.The common site for
hernia is abdominal wall.Compared to other parts the abdominal wall is weak due
to the presence of some natural orifices.There are some areas wherein the
abdominal muscles are weaker and thin and all these factors make a chance for
herniation.The common sites for hernia are following.
a) Inguinal hernia:
Here the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal
canal (passage in the lower abdominal wall just above the inguinal ligament.It
is seen on either side).This type is common in males.Initially the swelling
comes only while straining and goes back while lying down. Later the large
portion of intestine may come out which may not go back easily.
b) Femoral hernia:
This type of hernia is more in females.Here the abdominal
contents pass through the femoral canal which is seen just below the junction
between the thigh and lower abdominal wall(Inside the femoral triangle).The
contents pass downwards and comes out through saphenous opening in the thigh
and forms a swelling under the skin.
c) Umbilical hernia:
This is common in children.The umbilicus is the weaker part
of the abdomen.The contents of the abdomen may protrude as a bulb like swelling
while crying and defecating.
d) Incisional hernia:
These hernias are seen in operated sites. Due to improper
suturing or sepsis the operated site becomes weak resulting in hernia.
e) Epigastric hernia:
Here the hearniation occures in the epigastrium. It is a
rare type.
f) Lumbar hernia:
Here the hernia appear in the lumbar area on either side of
the lumbar spine(in the lumbar triangle).This is also a rare type.
g) Obturator hernia:
This is a rare type of hernia. Here the contents pass
through obturator foramen in the pelvic bone.
Complications of hernia:--
1) Strangulation:
If the hernial orifice is narrow the abdominal contents may
not go back easily, and later the blood flow to the herniated tissues may be
blocked due to constricition.This can cause death of protruded intestine.
2) Intestinal obstruction:
This occures when the whole portion of the intestine is
protruded in to the hernial sac. The narrow hernial orifice will block the
passage of bowels.
3) Infection and peritonitis:
If there is strangulation with death of a portion of
intestine there will be spread of infection to the abdomen resulting in
peritonitis.
Treatment of hernia:--
Initial treatment: In the initial stages of hernia the
following steps may be useful
1) Use of hernia belt:
Special types of hernia belts are available for each type of
heania.This will prevent the protrusion and will reduce pain.
2) Constipation,recurrent cough,urinary obstruction ect
should be treated.
3) Fat reduction will increase the strength of abdominal
wall.
4) Abdominal exercises to increase the muscle tone.
5) Take plenty of leafy vegetables, fruits and fibrous diet
for easy bowel movements.
6) Try other systems like Homoeopathy,Herbal medicine and
ect
If no relief by the above steps consult a general surgeon
for surgical management.
Surgical treatment.
The following operations are done depending up on the type
and nature of hernia.
1) Hertniotomy : In this operation the contents of hernial
sac is pushed in to the abdomen and neck of the sac is ligated with transfixion
ligature and the sac is cut off.
2) Herniorrhaphy: Here along with herniotomy the posterior
wall is repaired.
3) Hernioplasty: This operation is done if herniotomy is not
possible due to wide neck of the sac.Here the repair is done with the healp of
non absorbable materials like tantalum gauze,polypropylene mesh or stainless
steel mesh.
