Hernia is a condition where the abdominal wall stretches and bulges, creating a hole or cavity that allows part of the intestine to slip out of the abdominal cavity and become trapped in the cavity or area of the abdominal wall. It appears as a lump bulging in one area. It can also occur in other areas such as the thigh or groin, often causing pain. However, in some cases, no lump is found, so by the time the patient realizes it, the intestine in that area may have lost blood supply and become necrotic!
Did you know? Hernias can be classified into several types based on their location
- Inguinal hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Epigastric hernia (above the navel)
- Hiatal hernia
Warning signs that indicate you might have a “hernia”
Feeling a dull ache or pain in the area where the hernia bulges out. A lump that can be pushed in and out in the abdominal wall or groin area, which becomes more prominent when straining the abdomen, running, tensing, or lifting objects. If the lump protrudes and cannot be pushed back in, it will cause pain in that area.
Why is surgery the only necessary treatment for hernias?
The treatment for hernias requires surgery because the clearly bulging lump can grow larger and become dangerous, such as causing intestinal obstruction, leading to loss of blood supply and intestinal necrosis.
Open hernia surgery vs. laparoscopic surgery: which is better?
Standard or open abdominal incision
- This surgery repairs the hernia and strengthens the abdominal wall by suturing or using mesh reinforcement.
- More postoperative pain.
- Leaves a scar about 4 – 5 centimeters in the groin area, and 5 – 6 centimeters in elderly patients. There may be difficulty urinating initially, requiring straining or temporary catheterization.
- Recovery time is 3 – 7 days.
- Slower return to normal upright walking and work.
- The sutured tissue may be very tight and could tear apart (in cases where the abdominal wall is repaired by suturing, there is a higher chance of recurrence).
Laparoscopic surgery
- This surgery treats hernias using a laparoscope.
- Small incisions, 3 wounds, each 0.5 – 1 centimeter in size.
- Less postoperative pain.
- Faster ability to walk independently.
- Strengthens the abdominal wall with mesh from inside the abdominal cavity, reducing the chance of recurrence.
- Recovery time is 1-2 days.
If you have these signs… you should see a doctor immediately
- If you feel a bulging lump in various parts of the abdomen or groin, you should see a doctor for diagnosis promptly.
- For those diagnosed with a hernia, treatment should be received as soon as possible. However, while waiting for diagnosis, if you experience sudden pain at the hernia site along with nausea and vomiting, or if you have not been diagnosed but have these symptoms along with a bulging lump in the abdomen or groin, you should see a doctor immediately for a thorough examination.
Because complications from hernias can be severe, Phyathai 2 Hospital is prepared to provide consultation and surgical treatment, designing surgeries tailored to patients to increase the chance of complete recovery and prevent recurrence.
Dr. Wachira Rojpisanwong
General Surgery Specialist
Surgical Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
