Inguinal, Umbilical, or Hiatal? Understanding Different Types of Hernias
A hernia happens when a portion of your insides bulges via a hole or weakens in the muscle or tissue that surrounds it. The majority of hernias occur when one of your abdominal organs pushes through one of the abdominal cavity walls. Hernias can develop gradually as you age and the normal wear and tear on your muscles accumulates. They may also occur from an injury, surgery, or a birth defect. Some typical hernia locations are the lower chest through the diaphragm, the groin through the lower abdominal wall, the front midline of the abdomen, and the abdominal surgery incision.
Different types of hernias
Specific types of hernias include:
Symptoms
Not all hernias create symptoms, and the symptoms can vary depending on the type of hernia. A noticeable lump or bulge that arises during particular activities or physical positions and then returns at other times is one of the obvious signs of a hernia. When the hernia comes out, you may feel pressure, a dull discomfort, or a pinching sensation. It may come out while you are straining, lifting, laughing, or coughing.
When you squat, bend over, or push yourself, you may notice or feel a hernia develop in a specific spot. You may notice a hernia in your infant while they are crying or pooping, and they may be irritated. If the same activity consistently produces the same symptoms, it is most likely a herniation.
Causes
A hernia forms when a weakness or preexisting opening in your muscle or connective tissue permits an organ or other tissue to pass through the barrier. The weakening or opening may be present at birth, but it often develops over time. It could be caused by a catastrophic accident or surgery, but it is most commonly caused by repetitive stress. Years of pressure or exertion can degrade the tissue.
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Depending on the type of hernia, a basic physical exam can frequently be sufficient to identify it. Your healthcare professional may be able to see or feel it, or it may become apparent when they ask you to cough or shift your position. They'll see if they can physically lower it — force it back in—to evaluate how serious the situation is. Some hernias may require soft tissue imaging, such as a CT scan, to be diagnosed.
Management and Treatment
Most hernias will require surgical treatment, albeit not necessarily right away. Whether your hernia is minor or mild and only pops out on occasion, your doctor may advise you to wait and see whether it worsens. Hernias tend to deteriorate over time, which is why physicians advocate having them repaired. Except for umbilical hernias in babies, they do not resolve on their own.
Hernia repair surgery is a common and usually uncomplicated treatment unless there are complications. Your surgeon will press the herniated tissue back into place and reinforce the barrier with sutures or surgical mesh. Surgeons can frequently use minimally invasive techniques for routine hernia repairs, resulting in smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and a speedier recovery.
A laparoscope, which is a long, thin tube with a lit camera at the end, is used to examine the operative site during laparoscopic surgery. The laparoscope enters one small hole, while long, thin surgical tools pass through another. Robotic surgery for hernia repair is similar, except the surgeon directs the tools from a computer interface via robotic arms. Some hernias may require standard open surgery.
Congenital umbilical hernias normally close on their own as your child grows, but not always. In this case, your child will need an umbilical hernia repair. A hiatal hernia seldom requires repair, however, it may cause chronic acid reflux. To resolve this issue, your specialist may recommend a Nissen fundoplication. It involves wrapping the upper stomach around the lower esophagus and stitching it together.
Side effects
There is a minor risk of general surgical problems such as excessive bleeding, wound infection, or anesthetic reaction. Some people experience trouble urinating for a short period following surgery. Following inguinal hernia treatment, approximately 10% of persons experience chronic groin pain, which could be due to nerve injury.
Conclusion
Hernias are a common medical disorder in which an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscles or connective tissue. The most frequent forms are inguinal, umbilical, and hiatal hernias, which differ in location, symptoms, and treatment options.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant
GI, General, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery
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