Hernia: Diagnosis & Management

Hernia is the abnormal bulging out of the organs or part of organs out of the abdomen or groin area. Mainly caused by congenital or surgical defects hernia is a condition that can be treated using the right approach.

Diagnosis

Hernia is mostly diagnosed physically through the occurrence of a bulge at the area of penetration. In most cases, this bulge is evident to doctors who will look for it by making the patient stand or cough or strain. In the case of hiatal hernia, only the use of imaging techniques like barium X-ray or endoscopic techniques help determine the location and extent of hernia. By using these techniques, the doctor determines the exact cause and location of secondary symptoms of hernia. Umbilical hernia in children is diagnosed by ultrasonography, an imaging technique that uses sound waves.

The main symptoms of hernia include the following;

1. Abnormal bulge or swelling in abdomen/groin area
2. Discomfort and pain in the area affected by hernia. Pain increases when activities like bending and stooping are undertaken. Pain during coughing, lifting or bending over especially in the lower abdominal area is a sure sign of hernia.
3. Feeling of pressure, weakness or heaviness specially in the abdominal area is an important indicator of the condition
4. An aching, gurgling or burning sensation at the point of the bulge is also a sure indication of hernia.
5. Hiatal hernia symptoms include chest pain, acid reflux and a difficulty in swallowing.

Management

Management hernia begins as soon as diagnosis is done. The condition is not a threat to life and may lead to only discomfort or hindrance in vital processes.

Diet control and maintaining healthy body weight is an important part of hernia management. Patients are expected to drink loads of water and eat light, and not bend over especially after junk food.

In short, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise and therapy will help cure hernia and get your body back to normal.

Surgeries

The patient is suggested to undergo a surgery for management of Hernia. Owing to the popularity of laparoscopic processes, it is very natural that laparoscopic techniques are applied in operating hernia in the femur and abdomen regions. Even hiatal hernia has been treated using the same approach.

It is a short time, surgery accomplished with only local anesthesia and the patient is in a state to go home within a few hours after the surgery. Open surgeries are also conducted to treat hernia and in most cases, the recovery time is longer than that of laparoscopic procedures.

During the surgery, the excess fat growth in the weak organ is removed and the opening or hole that allows the growth of the fat is sutured up. In many cases these days, surgeons prefer to place a surgical mesh at the hole or opening to prevent any further in-growth through it. This is the best prevention available to patients of hernia these days. Other than that taking regulated diet and exercise is the best way to keep healthy.