Hernia Surgery

A hernia is the protrusion of organs, such as intestines, through a weakened section of the abdominal�wall. If left untreated, the split in the muscle widens and greater amounts of tissue or organs are pushed through the opening, forming a sac. This visible lump or bulge is one of the key characteristics of a hernia.

The weakened abdominal wall can be present at birth or can develop later in life. The most common site is the groin, but hernias can also form in other areas, such as the navel. If the lump can be gently pushed back through the abdominal wall, it is known as a reducible hernia. If the lump resists manual pressure, it is a non-reducible hernia, which could mean serious complications. Both forms of hernia require surgical repair.

Symptoms
The symptoms of a hernia can vary depending on the location and severity, but may include:

• A visible lump or a swollen area
• A heavy or uncomfortable feeling in the gut when bending over
• Pain or ache while lifting or carrying heavy objects
• Digestive upsets, such as constipation
• The lump disappears when the person is lying down
• The lump enlarges upon coughing, straining or standing up

The abdominal wall it is made up of different layers of muscle. Certain areas are structurally weaker than others and therefore more likely to develop hernias. The different types of hernia include:

• Inguinal�� occurring in the groin. This is the most common form, accounting for more than nine out of 10 hernias. A loop of intestine pushes against the small ring of muscle in the groin, eventually splitting the muscle fibers apart. Inguinal hernias affect more men than women and are particularly common in middle age
• Femoral�� occurring high on the thigh, where the leg joins the body. Similar to the events that cause an inguinal hernia, intestines force their way through the weak muscle ring at the femoral canal until they protrude. This herniated section of bowel is at risk of strangulation, which is a serious complication requiring urgent medical attention. Femoral hernias are more common in women
• Umbilical�� a portion of the gut pushes through a muscular weakness near the navel, or belly button. This type of hernia is more common in newborns. Overweight women, or those who have had several pregnancies, are also at increased risk.
• Incisional�� after abdominal surgery, the site of repair will always be structurally weaker. Sometimes, the intestines can push through the closed incision, causing a hernia

Strangulated hernia
If the hernia resists manual pressure and can’t be popped back through the abdominal wall, it is known as a non-reducible hernia. This means that the intestinal loop is held tight by the muscular ring, which can lead to further swelling of the loop and eventual strangulation of the entrapped bowel. The femoral hernia is the most susceptible to this complication.

Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include nausea, vomiting and severe pain. Prompt medical attention and surgery is vital. Untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to gangrene of the trapped bowel.

Surgical procedures
Both reducible and non-reducible hernias need to be surgically repaired. The various procedures used depend on the location of the hernia, but may include opening the abdomen and using stitches and nylon meshes to close and reinforce the weakened section of muscle. Inguinal hernias can be repaired using laparoscopic surgery. A slender instrument known as a laparoscope is inserted and the hernia repaired from the inside. This eliminates the need for large abdominal incisions.

Other factors that may have been contributing to the hernia, such as obesity and flabby muscle tone, also need to be addressed. However, the hernia returns in around one out of 10 cases, requiring subsequent surgery.

Hiatus hernia
The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle slung beneath the lungs that is essential to breathing. The diaphragm’s weakest point is a small opening that allows the passage of the oesophagus. A hiatus hernia means that a section of oesophagus and stomach protrudes through the hole into the chest cavity. Symptoms include heartburn and swallowing difficulties. Inflammation of the�oesophagus�is a possible complication. Treatment to alleviate the symptoms includes antacid medications, losing excess body fat and sleeping with the head higher than the feet.

A hernia repair requires surgery. In a standard repair, an incision is made over the area of the hernia and carried down carefully through the sequential tissue layers. The normal tissue is separated and the margins of the hole or weakness are defined. Once this has been achieved, the hole is then closed, usually by some combination of suture and a plastic mesh. When a repair is done by suture alone, the edges of the defect are pulled together, much like sewing a hole together in a piece of cloth. One of the problems with this approach is that it can put excessive strain on the surrounding tissues through which the sutures are passed. Over time, with normal bodily exertion, this strain can lead to the tearing of these stressed tissues and the formation of another hernia. The frequency of such recurrent hernias, especially in the groin region, has led to the development of many different methods of suturing the deep tissue layers in an attempt to provide better results.

In order to provide a secure repair and avoid the stress on the adjacent tissue caused by pulling the hole closed, an alternative technique was developed which bridges the hole or weakness with a piece of plastic-like mesh or screen material. The mesh is a permanent material and when sewn to the margins of the defect, it allows the body's normal healing process to incorporate it into the local structures. This has proved to be a very effective means of repair.

After the�hernia repair�is completed, the overlying tissues and skin are surgically closed, usually with absorbable sutures.

The other general procedures are:

• Abdominal or Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
  
• Abdominoplasty
  
• Carpal Tunnel Release Operation.� etc

Few Major Hospitals for Hernia Surgery are:

• Wockhardt Hospitals
  
• Apollo Hospitals
  
• Max Healthcare
  
• Piyavate Hospital
  
• Florence Nightingale Hospital
  

Thailand,�Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey�and�India�are the most cost effective locations that offer up to almost 80% savings in comparison to the US.

SurgeryPlanet�facilitates a plethora of services to the medical treatment traveler also which includes, a hassle free and discounted travel option, a welcome hand at the airport on arrival, travel in an air-conditioned car, round the clock service & support. Your medical evaluation is pre arranged with the least of waiting time. Once your assessment is complete and found medically fit, the procedure is immediately scheduled without a waiting period. Please read through our Services and Testimonials to understand and select your best options.

• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Turkey
• India�