FAQ - What is a Hernia ?

Q :		What is a Hernia?
A :		There are many different conditions that are grouped under diagnosis of Hernia. Essentially a hernia is an abnormal protrusion of normal body organs or parts through a weak area in the surrounding tissue. Most common hernias are located in the groin and are commoner in males and are called inguinal hernia.

Q :		How do I know I have a hernia?
A :		You may feel a lump or a mass in the lower abdomen or groin. The hernia pops in and out especially when there is increase in the intra abdominal pressure such as when you cough. This type of hernia is usually reducible, however if it comes out and does not pop back inside the abdomen then it is called incarcerated hernia. This is a surgical emergency and you need to have urgent surgery procedure to reduce and repair the hernia as there is danger of gangrene or death of the trapped intestine.

Q :		What should I do if I think that I have a hernia?
A :		You need to consult your doctor who can confirm that you have a hernia and needs surgical repair. Then your doctor can refer you to a qualified surgeon for surgical repair.

Q :		Is there a non surgical way to treat the Hernia?
A :		Yes you can buy a hernia belt or truss that you can wear on the outside at the site of hernia defect so that when the hernia wants to protrude then the belt tries to keep it inside. This is not the best way to manage hernia as it does not take care of the real problem and it may not provide relief of the pain associated with the hernia.

Q :		What are the Surgical options?
A :		Over a period of past century many hernia repair operations are proposed. All of them work well for most of the patients but not all. Currently I prefer an operation called Kugel patch repair. I my opinion it the most effective cost efficient and relatively painless operation for the inguinal hernia repair.

Q :		How the Kugel patch Hernia repair is done?
A :		The operation is done to reduce the hernia sac from inside and a specially designed marlex mesh patch is inserted to cover the hernia opening. Now when ever the intra abdominal pressure goes up the patch prevents the intestine being pushed out as hernia.