What is Hernia ?

A hernia is a hole in the muscle layer and it mostly occurs in the abdomen, upper thigh, belly button and groin areas. It occurs when an organ pushes through an opening. There are many types of hernias with which people suffer. Some facts about different types of hernias are as follows:

Congenital Hernias

Depending upon the anatomy, it’s more common for men to develop hernias. Testicles that develops in the abdomen creates a small area of weakness that 20% of the men don’t feel. the testicles form in the abdomen then they move down the inguinal canal into the scrotum. The inguinal canal gets closed completely after the birth and leaves the space only for spermatic cord to pass through the abdomen. But it doesn’t have enough space for testicles to move back into the abdomen. And if the canal doesn’t get closed properly then it leaves a weakened area prone to hernias.

Hernias are more common in males

Depending upon the anatomy, it's more common for men to develop hernias. Testicles that develops in the abdomen creates a small area of weakness that 20% of the men don't feel. the testicles form in the abdomen then they move down the inguinal canal into the scrotum. The inguinal canal gets closed completely after the birth and leaves the space only for spermatic cord to pass through the abdomen. But it doesn't have enough space for testicles to move back into the abdomen. And if the canal doesn't get closed properly then it leaves a weakened area prone to hernias.

Simply lifting something heavy can cause hernias

If someone lifts something heavy and then it certainly increases the intraabdominal pressure on the tissue of the belly walls and muscles which may cause a hernia. It includes straining during urination or bowel movements, excess weight, and chronic coughing or sneezing.

Symptons of hernia

It is possible that people may suffer from a very small hernia which is of no concern and it can be very large which can even extend into the scrotum in case of an inguinal hernia.A large and unrepaired hernia can cause pain and swelling. If a loop of intestine gets trapped in a weak spot in the abdominal wall then it can cause severe pain, vomiting, nausea, etc. It refers to an incarcerated hernia as well and can later lead to obstruction and strangulation.

Surgery the only way to repair hernias

To get rid of troublesome hernias, surgery is the only way. There are different techniques, including open and laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic hernia repair is the best and most advanced way to treat a hernia

Obesity plays a big role in development and treatment of hernias

When the person is overweight and the abdominal pressure is already high then the obesity is the big risk for hernias. Being obese is not the cause of a hernia, but it may put the person at risk of developing a hernia.