an Introduction To The Types of Hernia

HERNIA

introducing

Causes:-

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 & lifting weight,and while passing chair & urine.In lying down position the swelling goes inside except in strangulated & irreducible hernia.

one, Weakness in the body wall:--

a) Congenital weakness.

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

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


two) Increased pressure inside the body.
 
a) Chronic constipation.

b) Recurrent cough.

d) Stricture of urethra.

c) Weight lifting.

Hernia can occure anywhere in the body. However there's 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 backbone & back muscles & hard ligaments & sheeths.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 & narrow & all these factors make a chance for herniation.The common sites for hernia are following.

Common sites for hernia:--

Here the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal (passage in the lower abdominal wall above the inguinal ligament.It is seen on either side).This type is common in males.Initially the swelling comes only while straining & goes back while lying down. Later the large portion of intestine may come out which may not return basically.
 
b) Femoral hernia:

a) Inguinal hernia:

c) Umbilical hernia:

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

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

d) Incisional hernia:

These hernias are seen in operated sites. Due to improper suturing or sepsis the operated site becomes weak leading to hernia.
 
e) Epigastric hernia:

Here the hearniation occures in the epigastrium. It is a rare type.

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

f) Lumbar hernia:

g) Obturator hernia:

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

one) Strangulation:


Complications of hernia:--

two) Intestinal obstruction:

If the hernial opening is narrow the abdominal contents may not return basically, & later the blood flow to the herniated tissues may be blocked due to constricition. This may cause death of protruded intestine.

This occures when the whole portion of the intestine is protruded in to the hernial sac. The narrow hernial opening will block the passage of bowels.

three) Infection & peritonitis:

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

Treatment of hernia:--

Preliminary treatment: In the preliminary stages of hernia the following steps may be useful

one) Use of hernia belt:

Special types of hernia belts are obtainable for each type of heania.This will prevent the protrusion & will reduce pain.

two) Constipation,recurrent cough,urinary obstruction ect ought to be treated.

three) Overweight reduction will increase the strength of abdominal wall.

two) Abdominal exercises to increase the muscle tone.

three) Take lots of leafy vegetables, fruits & fibrous diet for simple bowel movements.

6) Try other systems like Homoeopathy,Herbal medicine & ect

Surgical treatment.

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

The following operations are completed depending up on the type & nature of hernia.

one) Hertniotomy : In this operation the contents of hernial sac is pushed in to the abdomen & neck of the sac is ligated with transfixion ligature & the sac is cut off.

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

three) Hernioplasty: This operation is completed if herniotomy is impossible due to wide neck of the sac. Here the repair is completed with the healp of non absorbable materials like tantalum gauze,polypropylene mesh or stainless steel mesh.