Hernia

It occurs when an organ or tissue in the body pushes out through a weakened muscle or tissue wall. Although it usually occurs in the abdominal area, it can also be seen in different areas such as the groin, waist or belly. A hernia can cause pain, swelling and discomfort. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems such as tissue compression and impaired blood circulation. The most common treatment method for a hernia is surgery.

Hernia Symptoms

It occurs when an organ or tissue in the body shifts due to the weakening of the surrounding muscle or tissue. It usually occurs in the abdominal area, groin or waist. The symptoms of a hernia may vary depending on its type and location. However, it usually manifests itself with specific complaints.

One of the most common hernia symptoms is swelling in the relevant area. Especially in cases such as inguinal hernia, this swelling becomes more noticeable during coughing, lifting heavy objects or straining. It may also decrease when the person rests.

In addition to swelling, another common symptom is a feeling of pressure or pain in the herniated area. This pain can vary depending on the size and location of the hernia.

Some types of hernias may also cause digestive system symptoms such as nausea, constipation or vomiting. Digestive problems may occur if the abdominal organs are compressed by a hernia. In addition, if left untreated in advanced stages, a hernia can disrupt the blood supply to the organs. This may require emergency surgery.

Underestimating hernia symptoms can lead to serious complications. In particular, if there is persistent pain, increased swelling, or a sudden feeling of severe pain, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Hernia is usually treated with surgery, and early diagnosis helps the treatment process to be more successful. To reduce the risk of hernia, it is important to avoid heavy lifting, exercise regularly, and maintain an ideal weight.

Causes of Hernia

A hernia occurs when organs or tissues in the body protrude through a weak area. It usually occurs in areas where the muscles are weak or injured. There are various causes and risk factors for hernia formation.

One of the main causes of hernia is increased intra-abdominal pressure. Conditions such as lifting heavy loads, excessive physical exertion, coughing, constipation or pregnancy increase intra-abdominal pressure. Being overweight also increases this risk. Because excess weight puts extra pressure on the abdominal area, causing the muscles to weaken.

Some congenital structural factors can also cause hernia development. Inguinal hernia, especially seen in infants and children, occurs when the muscles in the abdominal wall do not close completely during birth. Similarly, the aging process causes the muscles to naturally weaken, which is a factor that increases the risk of hernia in the elderly.

Another factor that increases the risk of hernia is the constant strain and pressure created by conditions such as chronic cough or long-term constipation. Chronic cough, which is especially common in smokers, can cause muscle weakness. In addition, liver diseases, difficulty urinating, and activities such as excessive exercise can increase the risk of hernia.

Finally, areas of tissue that weaken after surgery also pose a risk for hernia formation. Those that occur near the surgical scar are called incisional hernias. They usually require surgical intervention.

Hernia Treatment Methods

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue in the body protrudes through a weakened muscle or tissue around it. If left untreated, a hernia can lead to serious complications. Treatment of a hernia usually requires surgical intervention. However, depending on the type of hernia and various factors, different treatment options may be applied.

Some may not cause any noticeable symptoms and may not affect quality of life. In such cases, doctors monitor the patient regularly to see if the hernia is progressing.

One of the supportive treatment methods is special hernia corsets. These corsets prevent organs from coming out by applying pressure to the hernia area and can relieve pain. However, corsets only provide temporary relief; they are not a permanent solution for hernia treatment.

Definitive treatment of hernia is provided by surgical intervention. Surgical treatment methods are divided into two main categories: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

Open Hernia Surgery: The surgeon cuts out the area where the hernia is located. It is performed by placing the organ back into place and repairing the weak muscle or tissue. During this procedure, the weak area is usually supported using a patch (mesh). The healing process can usually take several weeks.

Laparoscopic Surgery: It is a minimally invasive method, performed through small incisions. The hernia area is reached with the help of a camera and the hernia is repaired. This method allows for less pain and a faster recovery process. However, it may not be suitable for every patient. It may also not be preferred in people who have had abdominal surgery before.

Lifestyle changes before and after surgery are of great importance in hernia treatment. Patients should avoid heavy lifting, lose weight, and quit smoking. These changes can speed up the treatment process and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.