Hernia and Its Repair Techniques

Hernia is a problem that is caused by the weakening of muscles of the abdominal wall. It is a painful disease that can be seen both in children and adults. The causes that may lead to hernia are genetic ones or poor lifting techniques.

Because of the weakness of the abdominal wall some internal organs especially intestines bulge into the peritoneum. This type of hernia is an uncomplicated case because the organs can be manipulated back into the body. Even so no one can guarantee that these organs will stay in place without surgical help. This type of hernia is termed a reducible hernia.

There are two more levels of hernia. The second type of hernia is incarcerated hernia. In these cases the intestines bulge and become trapped. This type of hernia may lead to gangrene if the hernia gets strangulated (if the blood supply to the incarcerated hernia is shut off). Strangulated hernia represents the third level of hernia.

Incarcerated and strangulated hernias need surgical interventions. These are considered medical emergencies and need to be corrected in time. That is why doctors recommend a surgical intervention in the first phase, even though reducible hernia causes no pain to the patient.

Hernia is a problem that can be treated. Its repair may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Even though is a safe surgery, hernia repair is not recommended for all the patients. Many factors may influence the choice of having a surgical intervention. These factors include age, health the type of hernia. Complications may occur if the patient is a smoker or an alcoholic.

Depending on the factors mentioned earlier patients may be able to leave the hospital even the second day after the surgery. When complications occur the patient must be hospitalized more than tree days.

There are two ways of repairing hernia. The first one is used for the simple hernias and is called herniorraphy. This procedure will make possible the return of the intestines to their proper place and a strengthening of the abdominal wall. For larger hernias hernioplasty is used. This procedure includes the usage of a plastic or steel mesh that is added to the abdominal wall.

We know five kinds of common hernia repairs. These are named after the closest organ next to the hernia. Femoral hernia repair is called this way because the hernia occurs near the spot where the femoral artery passes from the leg to the trunk of the body. We should also mention inguinal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, incisional hernia repair and hiatal hernia repair.

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