Tag: hernia surgery

Patient’s Guide To Understand Everything About Hernia & Its Treatment

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date September 6, 2019

A hernia is a very common medical condition that thankfully can also be treated very effectively with hernia surgery. Here, we have answered the common questions asked by people in the simplest way.

What is Hernia?

A hernia is the abnormal swelling generally found in the abdomen or groin area. It occurs when fatty tissues compress and make their way through a weak spot or opening in a muscle wall.

What are the symptoms of Hernia?

Mostly hernia is just a bump that initially causes no discomfort or pain to the patient. The first and foremost symptom to look for is a bulge in the problem area. Look for other symptoms like pain in the affected area while coughing and lifting something, having heavy stomach, burning sensation around the bulge. Severe symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

What are the causes of hernia?

The common causes of hernia are as following:
• Poor nutrition
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking, as it weakens muscles
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic cough and sneezing
• Lifting heavyweights
• Enlarged prostate
• Genetics

What are the different types of Hernia?

There are different types of hernia. Some of them are as follows:
1. Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin.
2. Umbilical hernia- Soft painless swelling near the (mostly baby’s) navel.
3. Hiatal hernia: The upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm. It mostly happens in old and overweight people.
4. Incisional hernia: Happens when a past abdominal surgery’s wound does not heal properly.

How hernia is treated?

The only permanent treatment available for hernia is surgery. The two preferred methods for operating hernia include open hernia surgery and laparoscopic hernia operation. The surgical method depends upon the individual’s case.

Which surgical method would be the best for treating hernia?

An open hernia surgery causes a permanent scar in the affected area and it takes longer to heal the surgical wound. It is sometimes suggested for people having a hernia either very large in size or if it has been left untreated for long.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery which is also known as keyhole hernia surgery or a microscopic hernia operation causes less complications and pain than an open procedure. This surgical method gives no scar, reduces the chance of getting infections, requires less hospital stay and speedy recovery. Laparoscopic surgery offers numerous benefits like shorter hospital stay and faster recovery and so on. Thus, it is preferred by most patients seeking hernia surgery.

How can hernia be prevented?

A hernia can be prevented by adopting a few required changes in our lifestyle. The tips for preventing hernia are as follows:

– Don’t carry heavyweights, or do it with caution.
– Quit smoking.
– Maintain healthy body weight.
– Do the right exercise.
– Avoid constipation.
– Maintain good body posture.
– Eat fiber-rich foods.
– Stop overexertion.

We hope all your queries about hernia are answered. Do not try to treat hernia on your own. A hernia does not go away on its own, it can only be treated surgically by medical practitioners. For more information, get in touch with us at Varanasi Hospitals.

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Hernia –A Brief Introduction To Its Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date August 7, 2019

Hernia is a medical condition which is a common problem these days, and can be characterized by a visible bulge in the abdomen or groin. A weakness, tear or hole in the peritoneum, the muscular wall that keeps the abdominal organs in place, is the reason for the occurrence of hernia. This defect in the peritoneum allows organs and tissues to push through, and thus produces a bulge, leading to the condition known as hernia. It is often and pain-free, but at times it can bring discomfort and pain, if left untreated for long. The lump may disappear as it is pushed back into the cavity, when the person lies down, but coughing or straining activities can make it reappear. Hernia surgery is the permanent solution to this problem. Let’s understand more about it, in details.

Causes Of Hernia

A hernia can be commonly found in the areas of the natural openings in the groin, or near the belly button, but it can also occur through a previous surgical scar. It occurs more commonly in women than men, due to pregnancy and childbirth. The risk of hernia also increases with age, as the abdominal muscle starts to become weak. Children can develop hernia, rarely, unless it is congenital meaning, it is present at birth. However, vigorous activities and certain medical problems can also increase pressure on the abdominal wall and can lead to a hernia. Some other common risk factors for hernia include

• Straining on the toilet due to long-term constipation.
• Persistent cough or sneezing which exerts pressure on the abdomen.
• Cystic fibrosis that damages the lining of the lungs and digestive system
• Poor nutrition which can weaken the abdominal muscles
• Long term smoking that affect the immune system of the body.
• Physical exertion that build abdominal pressure.

Symptoms Of Hernia

Discomfort and pain are the main symptoms of hernia. These symptoms often becomes worse, while standing, straining, or lifting heavy items. In case of babies, visible pain and more prominent bulge while crying are the only symptoms associated with the same. In many cases, the hernia is no more than a painless swelling that doesn’t create any problem at all and posses no immediate medical threats. Thus, people does not seek hernia surgery immediately. But it is crucial to seek surgical remedy as it is the only reliable treatment option.

But people with severe swelling and soreness should see a doctor soon. Immediate hernia surgery is needed in cases when part of the gut becomes obstructed or strangulated by an inguinal hernia leading severe symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting.

Treatment Of Hernia

There are two main types of hernia surgery:

1. Open Surgery:

The hernia is repaired by making a large incision across the abdomen or the pelvic region. It is then, closed using sutures, mesh, or both, and the surgical wound in the skin is closed with sutures, staples, or surgical glue.

2. Laparoscopic Surgery (keyhole surgery):

The hernia is repaired in the same way as in open surgery but is done through 4-5 minute incisions near in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery enables faster recovery along with many other advantages over open surgery.

Varanasi Hospitals offers both open and laparoscopic hernia surgery. Seek consultation, if you are having symptoms of the same.

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Which is better for Hernia: Open V/S Laparoscopic Surgery

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date July 5, 2019

The hernia has become a fairly common problem these days. Today, 1 out of 3 people have the problem of hernia. Most of the time, people tend to ignore hernia unless it becomes a major risk later on, due to complications. It is not wise to ignore a hernia, and the best solution for treatment is surgery. There are two widely popular ways of surgery. One way is open hernia surgery, and the other way is Laparoscopic hernia surgery. There is always some confusion in patients on which surgery to choose. Some doctors recommend open and some recommend a laparoscopic approach. Let’s discuss them both in detail.

The first and foremost thing to know is how are these two kinds of surgery are performed. Both types of surgeries have their own way, advantages, and limitations. A mesh is also used in many cases to repair a hernia and also to avoid the recurrence of the hernia.

As the name suggests, open surgery is done by, opening the abdomen. One big incision across the abdomen is made, through which the doctor put the organs in its original positions and place the mesh to avoid its recurrence. In Laparoscopic surgery, 3-4 small incisions are made through which the surgery is carried out using the help of a machine and mesh is spread, if required.

In Laparoscopic hernia operation, since the incisions are small, the recovery time of a hernia patient is about 2 weeks. Even the pain felt by the patient is far less by this approach than the pain felt by a patient of open hernia surgery. Often the recovery time for open surgery is much more which is about 4-6 weeks (or even more).

Laparoscopic surgery is a much more advanced procedure that has been practiced, on such a large scale only in the last 20-30 years. So it is essential to keep in mind that if you opt for Laparoscopic hernia surgery, find a doctor who has a lot of experiences or who is an expert laparoscopic surgeon.

For some people, general anesthesia can be unbearable which is necessary for laparoscopy. For them, the doctors recommend open surgery using local anesthesia. Many people prefer open surgery due to more cost of laparoscopic surgery. However, as the patient makes faster recovery and needs to spend much less time in hospitals and medicines, often this approach proves to be a smart economic decision.

Whichever approach you wish to choose, finding the best surgeon is most important, especially for Laparoscopic Hernia Operation. At Varanasi Hospital, we offer hernia surgery using both approaches after evaluating the most suitable process.

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FAQ’s On Mesh In Hernia Repair Surgery By Patients

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date May 17, 2019

Hernia surgery can be done in two ways, open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. As there are different kinds of hernia, a surgeon might take different approaches to repair the hernia effectively. However, almost every expert doctor prefers laparoscopic hernia surgery for ensuring the maximum benefits of the patient.

Nowadays, ‘Hernia Mesh’ is a product commonly used in hernia repairs. Surgical meshes, in particular, the ones used to repair hernias, have been in use since 1891. Yet there are many doubts regarding the same, till this day.

Today, on behalf of Varanasi Hospital, we answer some frequently asked questions about mesh in hernia repair surgery.

What Is a ‘Mesh’?

Surgical mesh is a medical instrument that is used to provide extra support to the weakened tissue or damaged tissue. The mesh looks like a flat, grid-like structure which is mainly used to cover the hernia surgery incision. There are two types of mesh, which are made from either synthetic material and animal tissue. The surgeon decides which type, depending from case to case.

How Does It Work?

Mesh fortifies the tissue around the hernia. Surgeons joint the mesh or staple them after repairing the hernia. Over time the tissues grow around the mesh and secure the repair, mitigating the recurrence of hernia in the future.

Does Hernia Surgery Require A Mesh?

A hernia can be repaired without a mesh if it’s a small one. Mainly a small can be repaired with just a suture. However, if hernia left untreated, it often grows over time, which cannot be treated with the only suture. Then it often requires a surgical mesh for a successful repair.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Mesh?

Previously, the hernia used to be repaired with suturing, quite successfully. But in many cases hernia recurred again and again, as the incision acts as a weak spot in the abdomen. But the usage of hernia mesh in surgery has changed that for good. It minimized the risk of the hernia recurrence.

Will It Cause Any Problem In The Future?

Surgical mesh is a foreign body, which is being placed in your body through hernia surgery. After surgery, it may get contaminated and cause swelling, redness, and irritation. But it has been found that mesh infection mostly occurs due to the usage of low-quality mesh. The best hospital, on the other hand, provide the best quality surgical mesh and lowers the chances of any such infection.

When a Mesh Is Required, Which Will Be The Best Surgery Procedure?

It depends on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s recommendation. However, experts surgeons, mostly prefer laparoscopic surgery, as it provides quick recovery without any complications.

Hope we helped you with our answers. We will be back soon, with more questions regarding surgical mesh, so stay tuned for the next part.

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Hernia Belt: Is it a replacement For Hernia Surgery?

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date April 26, 2019

A hernia is a very common health problem amongst men and women. Though it is common, thankfully it can be resolved through hernia surgery effectively. However, many people don’t want to go for surgery and usually rely on hernia belts. Now the question is, is hernia belt a permanent cure of Hernia? Let’s discuss the effectiveness of the hernia belt.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when a portion of an internal organ pushes through the membrane wall and budges out externally.. An abdominal hernia is the most common form of hernia. Thankfully, most of the hernias are not dangerous and it can be resolved through hernia surgery. There are 4 types of hernia- Inguinal Hernia, Hiatal Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, and Incisional Hernia. A hernia can appear prominently during coughing, sneezing, lifting and pushing heavy things, even during laughing.

Hernia belts are specially made for those who are suffering from inguinal hernia (hernia emerging near the groin). It is a supportive undergarment mostly worn by men to keep the inguinal bulge in the right place and get relief from pain. Hernia belt convulses the abdominal wall and pressure back the bulge inside the abdominal wall. It is a temporary solution to get relief from pain. However, it is not a permanent solution.

Hernia belts are made of metal and elastic, which prevent the lump from budging out through the abdominal wall. However, it is very uncomfortable due to constant pressure and most of the patients felt discomfort wearing it all the time. Long usage of hernia belt can weaken the abdominal tissues even more and it is not a permanent cure from a hernia either.

Hernia surgery is the only permanent solution for a hernia. It is safe, and effective procedure for all patients. Through Laparoscopic surgery, it is now even easier and safer than ever. Most patient can regain a hernia-free life without any complications through this.

If your hernia is causing pain and discomfort, consult with your doctor about treatment options. Varanasi Hospital known as the best Laparoscopic surgery hospital in India, assure patients with the best treatment and recovery for all types of hernia.

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10 Recovery Tips After Hernia Surgery That You Should Follow

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date April 8, 2019

Hernia surgery is performed to fix a hernia, it happens when a portion of an internal organ budges out through an abdominal opening. A hernia is very common amongst both men and women. It can be detected, while lifting heavy things, coughing, sneezing, also during exercising. The hernia can develop over time or it can be intrinsic as well. If it budges out more often during coughing and sneezing, Hernia Surgery becomes inevitable.

Hernia surgery can be done in two ways, open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Almost every expert doctor prefers laparoscopic surgery for ensuring the maximum benefits of the patient. With the help of the laparoscopic surgery, a patient can recover quickly and go home the very same or the following day.

Here are some tips to follow after hernia surgery for a faster recovery.

1. Take rest for a few days after surgery. You can walk slowly in the room though, as it increases circulation. But do not walk too fast, otherwise, it can strain the abdomen.

2. Follow the diet your doctor provided. Eat fiber foods, fresh fruits, and green vegetables. Vegetables are good to avoid constipation and mitigate excess pressure built up.

3. Drink a lot of water and other fluids, which help you to recover from the pain quickly and promote healing the incision areas. You will get back to normal life soon.

4. Use a pillow while coughing and sneezing. Hold it against the belly to reduce the pain and shock.

5. Do not lift any load for a few weeks after the operation. If needed, you can start with light things first, after a few weeks.

6. Avoid driving while continuing the pain medications as driving can strain the incision areas. Consult with your doctor about the ideal time to resume driving.

7. Take care of the incision areas and regularly change the bandages or band-aids as per instruction.

8. Wear comfortable and lightweight clothes, preferably made up of cotton, which are easy to change.

9. Gently dry out the incision areas with a soft towel after a shower.

10. Do not work out and engage in any sports activities for a few weeks after the surgery. Consult with your doctor about it.

Stick to your doctor’s advice properly, take proper medication and follow these steps, so that you can recover from your hernia surgery and can get back to your normal life quickly. In case of any swelling, fever, or bleeding, see your doctor immediately.

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If Surgery Risk Is The Concern, Laparoscopic Hernia Operation Is The Best Option

Post author By Varanasi Hospital
Post date November 19, 2018

A hernia is definitely self-diagnosable but cannot be cured on its own. It becomes bigger with each passing day. It can even worsen and be life-threatening if left untreated for long. Hence, a hernia patient is advised to go for a surgery.

There are mainly two surgical ways to treat a hernia. Let’s brief them both so that you can pick the best option for yourself-

1. Open Surgery:

In this process, the surgeons would make a large incision to open the affected area. Next, they will push it back to the abdominal cavity but in a few cases, they can also remove the hernia tissues as well After that, the surgeon will close the operated muscle with stitches.

However, such type of operation is certainly not a painless treatment. Pain cannot be felt during the surgery, but the large incision and stitches cause pain and swelling during recovery. Some people can also develop longlasting chronic pain after open hernia surgery. Even blood clots are very common among patients due to a prolonged period under anesthesia.

2. Laparoscopic Hernia Operation:

it is also known as minimally invasive surgery and overcomes many drawbacks of the previous type. In the case of laparoscopic surgery, the surgeons would artificially inflate the abdominal cavity with some Carbon dioxide gas. Then, the skilled laparoscopic surgeons would make a few small cuts near the affected area. It is followed by inserting a thin tube with a camera, to guide the surgeons during the operation along with other a cold light source, and other necessary equipment. After completion, they remove the equipment and stitch small incisions. Usually, due to it’s shorter recovery period and less risk with modern technique, many doctors preferred it over open surgery. Patients can be back to their places within a day or two, and resume normal life within a fortnight.

Hence, you are recommended to choose the surgery approach wisely. Laparoscopic hernia operation can be a solution to address your concern.Read more: Advantage Of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery Over Open Surgery.

At Varanasi Hospital, we provide both the surgical facilities. However, you are suggested to consult our doctors to consider your health, lifestyle, and age before choosing the procedure.