Introduction:

Hernia is an abnormal protrusion of internal organs through an abnormal opening in the wall of the cavity. A combination of increased pressure inside the body with weakness in the wall is responsible for this condition. In this condition internal organs or parts of organs are protruded out forming a swelling which will increase the size with coughing and lifting weight, and while passing stool and urine. In lying down position the swelling goes inside except in strangulated and irreducible hernia.

Causes:-

1,Weakness in the body wall:--

a) Congenital weakness.

b) Acquired weakness due to injuries, wasting of muscles, supportive lesions in the wall and presence of weak natural openings, obesity, lack of exercise, repeated pregnancy.

c) Surgical operation with improper suturing or sepsis of operated site.

2. Increased pressure inside the body.

a) Chronic constipation.

b) Recurrent cough.

c) Weight lifting.

d) Stricture of urethra.

Common sites for hernia:-

Hernia can occurs anywhere in the body. However there are some common sites for hernia. Due to the presence of hard bony covering chest wall is normally not affected. Hernia in the lower back is also rare due to spine and back muscles and tough ligaments and sheets. The common site for hernia is abdominal wall .Compared to other parts the abdominal wall is weak due to the presence of some natural orifices. There are some areas wherein the abdominal muscles are weaker and thin and all these factors make a chance for hernia ion. The common sites for hernia are following.

a) Inguinal hernia:

Here the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal (passage in the lower abdominal wall just above the inguinal ligament. It is seen on either side).

This type is common in males. Initially the swelling comes only while straining and goes back while lying down. Later the large portion of intestine may come out which may not go back easily.

b) Femoral hernia:

This type of hernia is more in females. Here the abdominal contents pass through the femoral canal which is seen just below the junction between the thigh and lower abdominal wall (Inside the femoral triangle).The contents pass downwards and come out through asthenias opening in the thigh and forms a swelling under the skin.

c) Umbilical hernia:

This is common in children. The umbilicus is the weaker part of the abdomen. The contents of the abdomen may protrude as a bulb like swelling while crying and defecating.

d) Incision hernia:

These hernias are seen in operated sites. Due to improper suturing or sepsis the operated site becomes weak resulting in hernia.

e) Epigastria hernia:

Here the humanization occurs in the epigastria. It is a rare type.

f) Lumbar hernia:

Here the hernia appears in the lumbar area on either side of the lumbar spine (in the lumbar triangle).This is also a rare type.

g) Obdurate hernia:

This is a rare type of hernia. Here the contents pass through obdurate foramen in the pelvic bone.

Complications of hernia:-

• Strangulation:

If the hernia orifice is narrow the abdominal contents may not go back easily, and later the blood flow to the herniated tissues may be blocked due to constriction. This can cause death of protruded intestine.

2. Intestinal obstruction:

This occurs when the whole portion of the intestine is protruded in to the hernia sac. The narrow hernia orifice will block the passage of bowels.

3. Infection and peritonitis:

If there is strangulation with death of a portion of intestine there will be spread of infection to the abdomen resulting in peritonitis.

Treatment of hernia:-

Initial treatment:

In the initial stages of hernia the following steps may be useful

1. Use of hernia belt:

Special types of hernia belts are available for each type of hernia. This will prevent the protrusion and will reduce pain.

2. Constipation, recurrent cough, urinary obstruction act should be treated.

3. Fat reduction will increase the strength of abdominal wall.

4. Abdominal exercises to increase the muscle tone.

5. Take plenty of leafy vegetables, fruits and fibrous diet for easy bowel movements.

6. Try other systems like Homoeopathy, Herbal medicine and act

If no relief by the above steps consult a general surgeon for surgical management.

Surgical treatment

The following operations are done depending up on the type and nature of hernia.

1. Hertniotomy In this operation the contents of hernia sac are pushed in to the abdomen and neck of the sac is lighted with transfixion ligature and the sac is cut off.

2. Herniorrhaphy: Here along with herniotomy the posterior wall is repaired.

3. Hernioplasty: This operation is done if herniotomy is not possible due to wide neck of the sac. Here the repair is done with the help of non absorbable materials like tantalum gauze, polypropylene mesh or stainless steel mesh.