Types of Hernia :

1) Inguinal Hernias :

Inguinal hernias are the most common types of male hernias, that are located in the lower abdomen and thigh, move towards the scrotum, as a bulge in the groin. They are more common in men than women. Inguinal hernias usually occur when fatty tissue or part of a bowel, bulge out through a part of the lower abdominal wall known as inguinal canal.

There are two types of inguinal hernias :

Direct inguinal hernia :
They occur as a result of weakness in the floor of the inguinal canal. They are usually bilateral and seen in elderly with chronic conditions which increase intra abdominal pressure such as chronic cough, chronic constipation etc.

Indirect inguinal hernias :
They occur when the inguinal canal fails to close before birth. The hernia may appear in a male's scrotum or in the fold of skin at the opening of a female's vagina. This is the most common type of inguinal hernia. And it may occur at birth or later in life. Indirect hernias are more common in males.

2) Umbilical Hernia :

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. These hernias may occur in infants at or just after birth and may resolve by three or four years of age. However, the area of weakness can persist throughout life and can occur in men, women, and children at any time. In adults, umbilical hernias will not resolve and may progressively worsen over time. They are sometimes caused by abdominal pressure or due to overweight, excessive coughing, or pregnancy.

3) Ventral Hernia :

Ventral hernia is a hernia that surfaces on any part of the ventral surface of the human body. It results in a bulge or tear in the ventral surface that develops like a ballon-like sac.

There are three common types of ventral hernias :

An Incisional Hernia is a hernia that occurs through a previously made incision in the abdominal wall, i.e. the scar left from a previous surgical operation.

A Periumbilical hernia occurs around the belly button.

An Epigastric hernia occurs above the belly button.

Signs And Symptoms :

Each hernia is different, and the symptoms of a hernia can appear gradually or suddenly. Different people feel varying degrees of pain. Some people even feel that something has ruptured or given way. However, the more intriguing ones are :

• A noticeable protrusion or bulge which may appear on standing or straining and disappear on lying down at the site of hernia.
• The bulge may be more while coughing and sneezing.
• Feeling pain while lifting weight.
• A dull aching sensation.
• A vague feeling of fullness.
• Nausea and constipation.
• Hernias may or may not be painful. In most cases, a hernia can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the abdomen.

Treatment Options for Hernia :

Surgery is the only way for hernia treatment. A hernia will not go away on its own but will increase in size if left untreated. An untreated hernia may also result in obstruction (intestinal blockage) and "strangulation," which requires immediate medical attention. Strangulation occurs when the blood supply to the herniated bowel is cut off or greatly reduced, causing the bowel tissue to die or rupture.
The surgical results with smaller hernias are more satisfying as compared to large hernias. Surgery for hernia is :

Laparoscopic surgery : A laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive approach that involves the use of laparoscope and allows a laparoscopic surgeon to repair the weakened area through several small incisions (about a half-centimetre), using a non absorbable mesh to cover the weak area.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

• It causes lesser pain and patients are able to return to work more quickly than they would after open repair surgery.
• Repair of a recurrent hernia often is easier using laparoscopic techniques than using open surgery.
• It is possible to check for and repair a second hernia on the opposite side at the time of the operation.
• Because smaller incisions are used, laparoscopy gives excellent cosmetic results.
• Minimal postoperative pain.
• Quick return to work and normal activities.
• Excellent cosmetic results.

Conventional Hernia Repair Surgery

• It’s a Open surgery
• Hernia is reduced
• Followed by mesh and defect is sutured.