Inside Out Consult
03/23/2024
- JP Nagar 6th Phase Bangalore
- 090197 04252
You bend over to lift a heavy suitcase, feel a sudden strain in your groin, and later notice a strange bulge that wasn’t there before. Or perhaps you’ve had a persistent, dull ache in your abdomen that you can’t quite explain. These experiences are common in the fast-paced life of Bengaluru, and they often lead to one important question: what is a hernia?
A hernia is a very common medical condition, but it’s often misunderstood. It is not just a simple muscle strain, and it won’t go away on its own. Understanding what it is, what causes it, and what your treatment options are is the first step toward finding relief and getting back to your life without discomfort or worry.
This guide provides a clear, patient-friendly overview of hernias, from their symptoms and causes to the latest treatment options. For those seeking expert care in Bengaluru, ARKA Anugraha Hospital stands as a beacon of excellence, recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’ by both the Asia Pacific Hernia Society and the Hernia Society of India. We are dedicated to providing not just surgical solutions, but a holistic and integrative path to healing.
In the simplest terms, a hernia occurs when an internal part of the body—like an organ or fatty tissue—pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall that is meant to contain it.1 Think of it like an inner tube pushing through a weak spot in a tire. This protrusion most often happens in the abdomen, between your chest and hips.
The tissue pushes through a defect or hole, creating a pouch called a hernia sac. This sac can contain a piece of the intestine, abdominal fat, or other organs. The result is often a visible lump or bulge under the skin, which is the most common sign people notice.
Hernias are classified based on where they occur in the body. While there are many types, some are far more common than others.
This is the most common type of hernia, accounting for the vast majority of cases, and it primarily affects men. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the bowel, pokes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the groin, specifically in an area called the inguinal canal.
Much less common than inguinal hernias, femoral hernias also occur in the groin area, near the upper thigh. They are more likely to affect women and happen when tissue pushes through the femoral canal.
An umbilical hernia is a bulge near the belly button (navel). It happens when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall. While common in infants, adults can also develop them, often due to repeated strain on the abdomen from factors like obesity or pregnancy.
This is an internal hernia that you can’t see from the outside. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through an opening in the diaphragm (the sheet of muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) and into the chest cavity. It may not cause a bulge but can lead to symptoms like heartburn.
While a visible bulge is the most classic sign, hernia symptoms can vary depending on the type and location.
It’s important to note that hernia symptoms in women can sometimes be different. Women, particularly with groin hernias, may experience sharp or aching pain without a noticeable bulge, which can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.
Most hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they can become dangerous if they get “incarcerated” or “strangulated”.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have a hernia and experience any of the following hernia symptoms:
Hernias are fundamentally caused by a combination of two factors: muscle weakness and strain (increased pressure) on the abdominal wall.
The weakness in the muscle or tissue wall can be present from birth or develop over time.
Any activity or condition that puts prolonged or intense strain on the abdomen can contribute to the formation of a hernia.
For most hernias, the hernia diagnosis process is straightforward and does not require extensive testing.
A physical exam is typically all that is needed. A doctor will examine the groin or abdominal area for a bulge. You will likely be asked to stand and cough or strain, as this makes the hernia more prominent and easier to identify.
In some cases, especially if a bulge is not obvious or if the doctor wants to rule out other conditions, an imaging test may be ordered. This is more common for
hernia diagnosis in women, where groin hernias may not present with a clear bulge.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images and is often the first-line imaging test.
A hernia will not heal on its own and often grows larger over time. While not every hernia needs immediate repair, surgery is the only way to permanently fix one.
If a hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor might recommend “watchful waiting.” This involves monitoring the hernia for any changes, but it does not treat the underlying issue. This approach is generally not recommended for women due to a higher risk of complications.
Surgery is the definitive hernia treatment basics. The goal is to return the displaced tissue to its proper position and repair the weak spot in the muscle wall, often reinforcing it to prevent recurrence.
In most modern hernia repairs, a sterile, flexible mesh is used to patch the weak area. This creates a strong, durable repair and significantly reduces the likelihood of the hernia returning.
When it comes to something as important as surgery, choosing the right hospital and surgical team is crucial. In Bengaluru, ARKA Anugraha Hospital is a premier institution for hernia care, formally recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’.
Our approach is built on a foundation of surgical expertise and a deep commitment to holistic, patient-centered care. Led by pioneers in the field of laparoscopic surgery, our team specializes in the most advanced minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair. This focus on advanced technology means our patients benefit from smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, and a significantly faster return to their daily lives.
What truly sets ARKA Anugraha Hospital apart is our unique integrative and functional medicine approach.We understand that surgery is just one part of the healing journey. Our philosophy is to treat the whole person, not just the hernia. We support our surgical patients with:
A: No. A hernia is a physical defect in the muscle wall and will not heal by itself. While some may not cause symptoms initially, they often enlarge over time and may require treatment to prevent complications.
A: You will not feel pain during the surgery itself due to anesthesia. After the procedure, some discomfort is normal, but it is well-managed. Patients who undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery typically experience significantly less pain and require less pain medication than those who have open surgery.
A: Recovery time varies, but it is much faster with minimally invasive techniques. Many patients return to light activities and desk work within one to two weeks. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about four to six weeks, or as advised by your surgeon.
A: While some hernias are due to congenital factors, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking (to prevent chronic coughing), using proper technique when lifting heavy objects, and eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and straining.
A: ARKA Anugraha Hospital is recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery’. We offer world-class expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which leads to faster recovery and less pain. Our unique integrative medicine approach supports your healing journey with holistic pain management and personalized care plans, ensuring the best possible outcome and a more comfortable recovery.
Discover recipes that blend taste with health, crafted by our experts for your well-being.
Discover groundbreaking diagnostic services exclusive to India, now available at Arka Health, Bangalore